Open Enrollment for 2027 Marketplace health insurance starts November 1, 2026. On HealthCare.gov, enroll or change plans by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1, or by January 15 for coverage that starts February 1. Some state-run exchanges use different dates, so check yours.
It is tempting to let an existing plan roll over, but a short review before enrollment opens can prevent a January surprise. Premiums, provider networks, prescriptions, household income and plan availability can all change from one year to the next.
2027 Open Enrollment Dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open Enrollment begins. You can apply for 2027 coverage or update your application. |
| December 15, 2026 | Last day to enroll or change plans for coverage that starts January 1, 2027. Your first premium must also be paid. |
| December 16, 2026 to January 15, 2027 | Plans selected in this window start February 1, 2027. |
| January 15, 2027 | Open Enrollment ends on HealthCare.gov. |
| After January 15 | You generally need a Special Enrollment Period to enroll or change plans. |
You may have read that federal rules would shorten Open Enrollment for 2027. A federal court vacated that change in June 2026, and HealthCare.gov continues to list the dates above. Do not assume an automatic renewal is the best choice: if your plan changes, disappears or has a different network, Open Enrollment is the time to act. Outside this window, you usually need a qualifying life event, which our Special Enrollment Period guide explains.
What Is Different for 2027 Coverage
- The enhanced subsidies have expired. Income above 400% of the federal poverty level now means no premium tax credit, and expected contributions are higher at every income level. See ACA subsidy eligibility for 2027 for the income limits and percentages.
- There is no cap on repaying excess credits. Starting with tax year 2026, if your advance credits exceed what you were due, you generally repay the full difference, so your income estimate matters more than before.
- Immigrant eligibility narrows. In 2027, premium tax credit eligibility for lawfully present immigrants is generally limited to green card holders, certain Cuban and Haitian entrants, and people from Compact of Free Association countries.
- Medicare overlaps. If you or a family member has Medicare, its separate enrollment window runs October 15 through December 7. See our Medicare Annual Enrollment Period 2027 guide.
1. Update Your Household and Expected Income
Marketplace savings are based on the income and household you expect for the year you are applying for, not last year’s tax return alone. Before you compare plans, list the changes you expect in 2027:
- A raise, job change, reduced hours, self-employment income, retirement or unemployment
- A marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, or a dependent moving in or out
- Changes in who will file taxes or who you will claim as a dependent
- An offer of job-based coverage for you or another household member
Use your best good-faith estimate and keep supporting records. An inaccurate estimate can mean owing money back at tax time or missing savings you could have received. If your income changes during the year, update your Marketplace application promptly.
2. Gather the Information You Will Need
A little preparation makes enrollment much easier. Have names, birth dates, identification details where applicable, recent income information, employer coverage details, current plan information, and a list of doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and prescriptions nearby.
3. Compare Total Annual Cost, Not Just the Premium
The lowest monthly premium is not always the lowest-cost choice. Review your premium after savings, the deductible, copays and coinsurance, the out-of-pocket maximum, the provider network and prescription coverage. Estimate both a routine year and a year with a major medical need. This gives you a more realistic view than the premium alone.
For a deeper walkthrough, see our guide to choosing a Marketplace plan without overpaying.
4. Check for Cost-Sharing Reductions
If your household qualifies for cost-sharing reductions, a Silver plan may offer lower deductibles, copays and out-of-pocket costs than you would otherwise receive. Those extra savings apply only when you enroll in an eligible Silver plan, so compare full plan details before choosing on premium alone.
Cost-Sharing Reductions by Income
If you qualify, the Silver plan you choose pays more of your costs than a standard Silver plan. The share of costs the plan pays, called actuarial value, rises as income falls.
| Household income (% of poverty level) | Single-person income for 2027 coverage | Silver plan pays about |
|---|---|---|
| 100% to 150% | $15,960 to $23,940 | 94% |
| 150% to 200% | $23,940 to $31,920 | 87% |
| 200% to 250% | $31,920 to $39,900 | 73% |
| Above 250% | Above $39,900 | About 70% (standard Silver) |
Dollar figures use the 2026 poverty guideline of $15,960 for one person, which applies to 2027 coverage. People who qualify for Medicaid cannot receive these reductions, and the lower income limit depends on whether your state expanded Medicaid. HealthInsurance.org has a detailed explainer.
5. Review Your Renewal Notice, Then Shop Anyway
Read your renewal information carefully, especially the premium, deductible, provider network, prescription coverage, and whether your plan remains available. Automatic re-enrollment is convenient, but it does not replace a comparison of the 2027 plans available to you.
If you have access to employer coverage, compare it with Marketplace coverage using total household cost and benefits, not assumptions. Our Marketplace vs. employer coverage comparison explains the factors to review.
6. Finish Enrollment and Pay the First Premium
Submitting an application is only part of the process. Save your confirmation, watch for insurer communications, and pay the first premium directly to the insurance company by its deadline. Coverage does not begin until that payment requirement is met.
Not sure how your savings are calculated? Our second lowest cost silver plan explainer shows how the benchmark plan sets your premium tax credit.
What to Do in Common Situations
| Your situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Your plan is staying and your income is the same | Update your application, compare the 2027 plans, then keep or switch based on total cost |
| Your premium after credits is going up | Compare Bronze, Silver and Gold on total yearly cost, and check whether you qualify for cost-sharing reductions |
| Your income went down | Update your income. You may qualify for a larger credit or for cost-sharing reductions |
| Your income is near $63,840 as a single person (400% of the poverty level) | Estimate carefully. Above the limit there is no premium tax credit, and any excess advance credit must be repaid |
| Your plan is being discontinued | Pick a new plan yourself. If you do nothing you may be moved to a similar plan that does not match your doctors or prescriptions |
Common Open Enrollment Mistakes
- Letting last year’s income stand. Your credit is based on the income on your application, so update it before you accept a renewal.
- Choosing by premium alone. A lower premium can come with a higher deductible and a narrower network.
- Skipping the doctor and prescription check. Networks and drug lists change each year, even when the plan name stays the same.
- Waiting for the last week. A missing document or a technical problem can use up the days you have left before December 15.
- Forgetting the first payment. Coverage does not begin until the insurer receives your first premium.
- Not reporting changes during the year. A raise, a new job or a household change can change your credit.
After You Enroll
After the coverage year ends, the Marketplace sends Form 1095-A, which you use with Form 8962 when you file your taxes to reconcile your advance credits. Keep your enrollment confirmation and plan documents until then. If your income or household changes during 2027, update your Marketplace application so your credit stays accurate. Our guide to the second-lowest-cost Silver plan explains the form that shows your benchmark premium.
The Bottom Line
Update your information, check your doctors and prescriptions, compare total costs, and aim for the December 15 deadline if you want coverage to start January 1. For official dates, eligibility and application guidance, visit HealthCare.gov, or talk to a licensed agent who can compare your 2027 options with you. You can also browse Marketplace plan options.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does ACA open enrollment start for 2027?
Open Enrollment for 2027 Marketplace coverage starts November 1, 2026 on HealthCare.gov. Some state-based exchanges set their own dates, so check your state exchange.
What is the deadline for coverage that starts January 1, 2027?
On HealthCare.gov, December 15, 2026 is the last day to enroll or change plans for coverage that starts January 1, 2027. You must also pay your first premium to the insurer.
Can I still enroll between December 16 and January 15?
Yes. On HealthCare.gov, plans selected from December 16 through January 15 take effect February 1, 2027, once the first premium is paid.
What if I miss Open Enrollment?
After Open Enrollment ends you can generally enroll or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, such as losing other coverage, moving, marriage or the birth or adoption of a child.
Do I need to do anything if I want to keep my current plan?
Your plan may renew automatically, but premiums, networks and drug coverage can change and your subsidy depends on your updated income. Review your renewal notice and compare 2027 options before the deadline.
How do I know if I qualify for cost-sharing reductions?
Cost-sharing reductions are available if your household income is roughly between 100% and 250% of the federal poverty level, you are not eligible for Medicaid, and you choose a Silver plan. The Marketplace application checks this and shows the Silver plans that carry the extra savings.
What documents should I have ready to apply?
Have names and birth dates for everyone on the application, Social Security numbers or immigration documents where applicable, recent income information such as pay stubs or tax returns, details of any employer coverage offered, and a list of doctors and prescriptions.
What happens if my income changes after I enroll?
Update your Marketplace application promptly. Your advance credit is based on your estimate, and any difference is reconciled on your tax return. Starting with tax year 2026, you generally repay the full amount if you received too much.
This article is general educational information, not tax, legal or insurance advice. Plan options, costs, dates and eligibility vary by state and household, and rules can change. Review your Marketplace application and plan documents carefully.
