ACA Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage: dates, deadlines and how to enroll

Open Enrollment is the one time each year almost anyone can sign up for, switch, or drop an ACA Marketplace health plan. For 2027 coverage it opened November 1, 2026. Miss it without a qualifying life event and you generally wait until next fall — so the dates below matter.

Already have a Marketplace plan? Don't let it auto-renew without looking. Premiums, networks and your subsidy all change every year, and 2027 brings bigger changes than usual.

Key dates for 2027 coverage

A federal rule that would have ended Open Enrollment on December 15 nationwide was vacated by a court in June 2026, so the usual November 1 – January 15 window applies on HealthCare.gov. States that run their own marketplace set their own deadline — a few close earlier and several run later (see the table below). Wherever you live, enroll by December 15 if you want coverage on January 1.

What changed for 2027

• The enhanced subsidies are still expired. The pandemic-era boost to premium tax credits ended after 2025 and Congress has not renewed it, so the original ACA formula applies to 2027 coverage.
• The 400% "subsidy cliff" applies. Households earning more than 400% of the federal poverty level get no premium tax credit. For 2027 coverage that's $63,840 for one person and $132,000 for a family of four (2026 poverty guidelines, 48 contiguous states).
• You'll pay a slightly larger share of income. The IRS set the 2027 expected contribution at 2.15% to 10.22% of income for the benchmark silver plan (Rev. Proc. 2026-26), up from 2.10%–9.96% for 2026.
• Premiums are rising. Insurers in many states filed double-digit rate increases for 2027, partly because the subsidy cuts pushed healthier people out of the market. Your current plan may cost noticeably more if you let it renew.
• Some states moved platforms. Oregon now enrolls through its own marketplace, OregonHealthCare.gov, and Illinois uses Get Covered Illinois — if you used HealthCare.gov before, you'll enroll in a new place.

Should you switch plans this year?

Probably worth checking. When your subsidy shrinks and premiums rise at the same time, the plan that was the best deal last year often isn't anymore. Compare on total yearly cost — twelve months of premium plus the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum you'd realistically hit — not the monthly premium alone.

If your income is under roughly 250% of the poverty level, look at Silver plans first: they come with cost-sharing reductions that cut your deductible and copays, which no other tier gets. Our Bronze vs. Silver vs. Gold guide walks through the math, and the ACA subsidy calculator estimates your 2027 tax credit in seconds.

How to enroll

• With a licensed agent — free. An agent compares every plan you qualify for, applies your subsidy, checks your doctors and prescriptions, and submits the application for you. Get free help comparing plans.
• Online at HealthCare.gov, or your state's own marketplace if it runs one.
• By phone through the Marketplace Call Center or your state marketplace.
• Pay your first premium by the insurer's due date — your coverage isn't active until you do.

What to have ready

• Names, birthdates and Social Security numbers for everyone applying.
• Your best estimate of 2027 household income — your subsidy is based on next year's income, not last year's.
• Information about any job-based coverage you or your family are offered (it can affect eligibility).
• Your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions, so you can check networks and drug formularies.
• Your current plan details if you're renewing or switching.

Open Enrollment deadlines by state (2027 coverage)

Most states use HealthCare.gov and close January 15, 2027. States that run their own marketplace set their own dates. Deadlines can change — confirm on your state's marketplace before you rely on a date.

Missed the deadline?

You can still enroll outside Open Enrollment if you have a qualifying life event — losing other coverage, moving, getting married, having or adopting a baby, and more. That opens a Special Enrollment Period, usually 60 days from the event. Medicaid and CHIP accept applications year-round, so if your income is low you can apply any time.