2027 Open Enrollment guide
2027 Open Enrollment dates and deadlines
Open Enrollment for 2027 ACA Marketplace health insurance runs November 1, 2026 – January 15, 2027. Here are the deadlines that matter, what's changing, and how to avoid a gap in coverage.
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open Enrollment opens. Shop, renew or switch 2027 plans. |
| December 15, 2026 | Last day to pick a plan for coverage starting January 1, 2027. |
| January 15, 2027 | Open Enrollment ends. Plans chosen Dec. 16 – Jan. 15 start February 1, 2027. |
Source: HealthCare.gov dates and deadlines.
Why December 15 is the date to remember
A 2025 federal rule would have ended Open Enrollment on December 15 starting with 2027 coverage. A judge vacated that rule in June 2026, and HealthCare.gov now lists November 1 – January 15. The government has appealed, so we recommend choosing your plan by December 15. You'll get January 1 coverage and won't be affected if the dates change again.
Why you shouldn't just auto-renew for 2027
- Premiums are rising. The median proposed 2027 increase is about 15% before subsidies (Peterson-KFF). See increases by state.
- Several insurers are leaving. Cigna, CareSource, Molina, Medica and others are exiting some states. See who's leaving.
- The subsidy cliff is back. Households above 400% of the poverty level no longer get tax credits. See 2027 income limits.
- The maximum out-of-pocket limit rises to $12,000 for one person in 2027, up from $10,600 in 2026 (healthinsurance.org).
New rules for working with an agent in 2027
CMS now requires electronic consumer authorization before an agent or broker can act on your HealthCare.gov application. Applications must also include a Social Security number or immigration document number for every applicant except newborns (CMS interim final rule, Sept. 2026). When you work with Larry, you'll get a text or email asking you to approve his help. Please look for it so your enrollment isn't delayed.
Checklist before you enroll
- Names, birthdates and Social Security numbers (or immigration document numbers) for everyone applying
- Your best estimate of 2027 household income
- Any job-based coverage offers
- Your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions
Frequently asked questions
When does 2027 Open Enrollment start and end?
Open Enrollment for 2027 ACA Marketplace coverage runs November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov. Georgia Access uses the same dates.
What is the deadline for coverage starting January 1, 2027?
Pick a plan by December 15, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1, 2027. Plans chosen December 16 through January 15 start February 1, 2027.
Was Open Enrollment shortened for 2027?
A 2025 federal rule would have ended Open Enrollment on December 15, but a federal judge vacated it in June 2026 and HealthCare.gov lists November 1 – January 15. An appeal is pending, so the safest plan is to enroll by December 15.
What happens if my plan is auto-renewed?
If you do nothing, you may be re-enrolled in the same or a similar plan, but your premium and tax credit can change a lot for 2027. Review your plan before December 15.
Can I enroll after January 15?
Only with a Special Enrollment Period triggered by a qualifying life event such as losing other coverage, moving, marriage or having a baby. Medicaid, CHIP and American Indian and Alaska Native enrollees can enroll year-round.