Key 2027 dates on HealthCare.gov
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open enrollment starts |
| December 15, 2026 | Last day to enroll for coverage starting January 1, 2027 |
| December 16 – January 15 | Enroll now for coverage starting February 1, 2027 |
| January 15, 2027 | Open enrollment ends in HealthCare.gov states |
Sources: healthinsurance.org; HealthCareInsider.
States with different deadlines
States that run their own Marketplace can set their own dates. For 2027:
- January 31: California, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.
- January 29: Virginia. January 23: Massachusetts.
- December 15: Idaho, the only state Marketplace whose open enrollment doesn’t run into January (it opened early, on October 15).
- Later deadline for January 1 cover: December 31 in California, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Virginia and Washington; December 23 in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
A federal rule that would have shortened open enrollment for everyone was struck down by a court in June 2026, so these state differences remain for 2027. That could change from fall 2027, depending on an appeal.
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- No enhanced subsidies. The extra premium tax credits available from 2021 to 2025 have expired. If your income is above 400% of the federal poverty level, you pay full price.
- Higher prices. Average benchmark silver premiums are up 13%, after a 26% rise for 2026. See what health insurance costs.
- No cap on paying back excess subsidies. From the 2026 tax year, if your income ends up higher than you estimated, you must repay the full extra subsidy at tax time. Estimate carefully and update your Marketplace account if your income changes.
- Insurers leaving and joining. Cigna is leaving the individual market in all 11 of its states, and several other insurers have exited or entered states. If your plan is discontinued, you’ll need to choose a new one.
- Bronze and catastrophic plans are HSA-eligible, which started in 2026 and continues in 2027.
- Medicaid work requirements begin by 2027 in most states. People removed from Medicaid only for not meeting work requirements can’t get Marketplace subsidies in affected states.
Don’t just auto-renew
If you do nothing, many Marketplaces will automatically re-enroll you in the same or a similar plan. With prices and insurers changing this much, that can be costly. Log in, update your income and household details, and compare plans before the deadline.
Missed open enrollment? Special enrollment periods
Outside open enrollment you can usually only enroll with a special enrollment period, triggered by a qualifying life event such as losing other coverage, moving to a new area, getting married, or having or adopting a child. You normally have 60 days from the event to choose a plan. Medicaid and CHIP accept applications all year.
Frequently asked questions
When is open enrollment for 2027 health insurance?
On HealthCare.gov it runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Some state Marketplaces start earlier or end later.
What is the deadline for coverage starting January 1, 2027?
December 15, 2026 in HealthCare.gov states. Some states allow until December 23 or December 31.
Can I enroll after January 15?
Only with a special enrollment period after a qualifying life event, unless your state Marketplace runs later. Medicaid and CHIP accept applications all year.
Will I be automatically re-enrolled?
Often yes, but your plan or its price may have changed. It’s worth comparing plans and updating your income before the deadline.
Sources
- healthinsurance.org: ACA open enrollment deadlines (updated Oct. 28, 2026)
- HealthCareInsider: Open enrollment 2027 dates and deadlines
- KFF: 9 Things to Watch for the 2027 ACA Open Enrollment Period (Nov. 6, 2026)
Figures checked November 7, 2026. Insurance rules and prices change and vary by state and insurer; confirm details with the insurer or your state.