If you buy your own health insurance through the ACA Marketplace, open enrollment for 2027 coverage begins November 1, 2026. On HealthCare.gov it ends January 15, 2027, but the date that matters for most people is earlier: December 15, the last day to pick a plan that starts on January 1.
This guide lays out the dates, what changed for 2027, and how to use the window. It is built from HealthCare.gov and published KFF analysis, and where a number is still proposed or varies by state, we say so.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not personalized insurance advice. We are not licensed insurance agents. Plans, prices and eligibility vary by state and household.
2027 open enrollment dates on HealthCare.gov
Per HealthCare.gov’s dates and deadlines page:
| Date | What it means |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open enrollment for 2027 coverage begins |
| December 15, 2026 | Last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage to start January 1 (first premium must also be paid) |
| December 16, 2026 – January 15, 2027 | Enroll or change plans and coverage starts February 1, provided you pay your first premium |
| January 15, 2027 | Open enrollment ends |
| January 16 – October 31, 2027 | You generally need a Special Enrollment Period, such as certain life events, to enroll |
The practical deadline is December 15. Missing it doesn’t close you out, but it leaves a January with no coverage from the new plan.
State-run exchanges differ
HealthCare.gov serves only some states. States that run their own marketplace set their own window, and some end later than January 15 while others end earlier. Federal rule-making on the length of the window has shifted over the past year, so we don’t list state dates here. Confirm yours on your state’s exchange, which you can reach through HealthCare.gov’s state selector.
What changed for 2027
Enhanced subsidies are gone, and rates are rising
KFF reports that the enhanced premium tax credits expired at the end of 2025 and were not renewed by Congress, so the subsidy formula reverted to the pre-enhancement structure. KFF’s early look at 2027 filings found a median proposed premium increase of 14% across 77 insurers in 16 states and D.C., following a 20% median increase for 2026 (KFF analysis as reported by the Associated Press, July 8, 2026). Those were proposed rates; final rates for your area may differ, and your own price depends on your age, location, plan and income.
Premium tax credit eligibility changes for some immigrants
According to KFF, starting in 2027 premium tax credits are eliminated for many groups of lawfully present immigrants. Only lawful permanent residents, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and people from Compact of Free Association countries remain eligible. If this might apply to your household, check eligibility on the marketplace application rather than assuming.
Income thresholds for 2027
KFF lists the 2027 federal poverty level used for subsidy eligibility at $15,960 for an individual and $33,000 for a family of four. Eligibility for a premium tax credit starts at 100% of poverty, and the expected contribution rises on a sliding scale with your 2027 income. Employer coverage counts as unaffordable for 2027 if the employee’s share of the premium exceeds 10.22% of income.
How to use the window
None of this is a recommendation of a particular plan. A reasonable checklist:
- Update your income estimate. Subsidies are calculated on projected 2027 income, so a changed job, raise or self-employment income matters.
- Compare total cost, not just premium. Look at the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Our guides on medical deductibles and the out-of-pocket maximum explain how they interact.
- Check your doctors and prescriptions. Network type changes who you can see; see HMO vs. PPO.
- Consider an HSA-eligible plan only if it fits. Read who should consider a high-deductible health plan and the 2026 HSA limits.
- Know the unsubsidized price. If you won’t qualify for a credit, see what health insurance costs without a subsidy.
- Mark December 15 on your calendar and pay your first premium, since coverage doesn’t start until you do.
Frequently asked questions
When does ACA open enrollment start for 2027 coverage?
On HealthCare.gov, November 1, 2026, ending January 15, 2027. State-run exchanges can use different dates.
What is the deadline to get coverage that starts January 1?
December 15, per HealthCare.gov, and you must also pay your first premium. Enrolling December 16 through January 15 starts coverage February 1, provided you pay your first premium.
Do I have to re-enroll if I already have a marketplace plan?
This guide doesn’t cover automatic renewal rules, which vary by plan and exchange. Log in during open enrollment, check your 2027 premium and benefits, and compare the plans offered before the deadline.
Bottom line
For HealthCare.gov states, open enrollment for 2027 runs November 1 to January 15, with December 15 as the date for a January 1 start. Subsidies are smaller than they were under the enhanced credits and proposed 2027 rates are up, so it pays to compare plans instead of letting a renewal pass unreviewed. Sources: HealthCare.gov and KFF. Dates and rules can change, so confirm on HealthCare.gov or your state exchange before acting.