Open enrollment for 2027 Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace health plans runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 in states that use HealthCare.gov. To have coverage start on January 1, 2027, you generally need to pick a plan by December 15, 2026. Some states that run their own marketplaces set different dates.
This is the main yearly window to buy individual health insurance or switch plans unless you have a qualifying life event. Here is what to know before you log in.
Key open enrollment dates for 2027 coverage
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open enrollment begins on HealthCare.gov |
| December 15, 2026 | Deadline in HealthCare.gov states for coverage starting January 1, 2027 |
| January 15, 2027 | Open enrollment ends in HealthCare.gov states; plans chosen after Dec. 15 typically start February 1 |
A 2025 federal rule would have shortened the enrollment window starting this fall, but a federal court vacated it in June 2026 and the government has appealed. Federal officials have said the HealthCare.gov window for 2027 coverage stays at November 1 to January 15. Always confirm on the official HealthCare.gov dates and deadlines page.
States with different deadlines
About 20 states and Washington, D.C., run their own marketplaces and can set their own schedules. A few examples for 2027 coverage:
- Idaho opened early (October 15) and closes December 15.
- California, New Jersey, New York and Washington, D.C. run open enrollment through January 31, 2027.
- Massachusetts runs through January 23, and Virginia through January 29.
- Several states, including California, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey and Washington, allow sign-ups until December 31 for a January 1 start.
If you live in a state with its own exchange, HealthCare.gov will send you to the right website.
How to apply, step by step
- Gather documents: Social Security numbers (or immigration document details) for everyone applying, an estimate of your 2027 household income, and information about any job-based coverage offered to your household.
- Log in or create an account at HealthCare.gov or your state’s marketplace. Current enrollees should update their application rather than rely only on automatic renewal.
- Estimate income carefully. Premium tax credits are based on projected yearly income, and big errors can lead to repaying credits at tax time.
- Compare plans by total cost: monthly premium, deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, and whether your doctors and prescriptions are covered.
- Choose a plan and pay the first premium on time. Coverage does not start until the first payment is made.
Why you should review your plan this year
The expanded premium subsidies that were in place through 2025 expired on December 31, 2025. Unless Congress changes the law, the original ACA rules apply, including an income limit of 400% of the federal poverty level for premium tax credits. That means some enrollees may see higher net premiums, while others may find a cheaper plan by switching metal levels or insurers.
- Do not assume last year’s plan is still the best value. Premiums, networks and drug lists change every year.
- Check whether your household may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, which you can apply for at any time.
- Free, trained help is available through official navigators; HealthCare.gov lists local assisters.
Note that Medicare has a separate open enrollment period, from October 15 to December 7 each year. Our guide to Medicare vs Medicaid explains the difference, and our story on the 2027 Social Security COLA covers benefit changes. Be alert to fake enrollment calls, as described in our Medicare scam warning.
Frequently asked questions
When does ACA open enrollment start for 2027?
November 1, 2026, in all HealthCare.gov states. Idaho, Connecticut and Massachusetts opened earlier in October.
What is the last day to enroll for January 1 coverage?
December 15, 2026, in HealthCare.gov states. Some state-run marketplaces allow later dates, such as December 31.
Can I sign up after open enrollment ends?
Only with a special enrollment period, triggered by events such as losing other coverage, moving, marriage or having a baby. You usually have 60 days from the event to enroll.
Will I be automatically re-enrolled?
Many current enrollees are re-enrolled if they do nothing, but your plan and subsidy may change. Logging in to update your income and compare plans is the safer choice.
Last reviewed October 29, 2026. Dates and subsidy rules can change; confirm with HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace. This article is general information, not financial or insurance advice.
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