If you buy your own health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, the most important window of the year opens on November 1. For 2027 coverage, Open Enrollment on HealthCare.gov runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. But there is a second date that matters even more for most people: you need to pick a plan by December 15, 2026 for coverage to start on January 1.
This guide explains the 2027 dates, why some websites still show a shorter deadline, how to compare Marketplace plans and how to avoid gaps in coverage. It is general information, not advice about a specific plan. Always confirm dates and prices on HealthCare.gov or your state’s Marketplace.
The 2027 dates and why they changed
A federal rule finalized in 2025 would have shortened Open Enrollment on HealthCare.gov so that it ended on December 15, starting with 2027 coverage. In June 2026 a federal court in Maryland vacated that part of the rule, and in summer 2026 CMS confirmed that HealthCare.gov will keep the usual November 1 to January 15 schedule for 2027 coverage. The federal government has appealed the ruling, so it is worth checking the official dates page on HealthCare.gov before relying on the January deadline.
| Date | What happens | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open Enrollment opens | You can browse 2027 plans and prices, apply and enroll |
| December 15, 2026 | Deadline for January 1 coverage | Pick a plan by this date to avoid a gap in January |
| December 16, 2026 to January 15, 2027 | Late enrollment window | Plans chosen now start on February 1, 2027 |
| January 15, 2027 | Open Enrollment ends on HealthCare.gov | After this, you need a qualifying life event to enroll |
States that run their own Marketplace can set different dates. Some keep enrollment open until late January, and at least one closes earlier. If your state does not use HealthCare.gov, check your state Marketplace’s website for its exact deadlines.
Example: Someone who lost job-based coverage at the end of the year compares plans in mid-January and enrolls on January 10. Their new plan starts on February 1, which leaves January uncovered. Picking a plan by December 15 would have started coverage on January 1.
Who uses the Marketplace
The Marketplace is mainly for people who do not get affordable health coverage through an employer, Medicare or Medicaid: self-employed people, freelancers and gig workers, early retirees under 65, people whose employer does not offer coverage and many small business owners. Depending on household income, you may qualify for a premium tax credit that lowers your monthly premium, and some lower-income households also qualify for cost-sharing reductions that lower deductibles and copays.
Premium tax credits are based on your expected household income for the coming year and your household size. The enhanced credits that applied through 2025 have expired under current law, which means many households above 400% of the federal poverty level no longer qualify for help, and many enrollees may see higher net premiums than in past years. The Marketplace application calculates what you qualify for, so it is worth applying even if you think you may not be eligible.
What changes from year to year
Even if you are happy with your current plan, it is worth logging in during Open Enrollment. Insurers can change premiums, deductibles, provider networks and covered drugs, and your subsidy is recalculated using your updated income estimate. If you do nothing, HealthCare.gov may automatically re-enroll you in the same or a similar plan, but that plan may not be the best value for 2027.
Updating your income estimate is especially important. If your income changes and you do not report it, you may receive too much or too little in advance tax credits, which is settled when you file your federal tax return.
How to compare Marketplace plans
Marketplace plans are grouped into metal levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Bronze plans usually have the lowest premiums and the highest out-of-pocket costs, while Gold and Platinum plans cost more each month but pay more when you need care. Silver plans are the only ones that include cost-sharing reductions for people who qualify, which can make them unusually good value for lower-income households.
When comparing plans, look beyond the monthly premium. Check the deductible, copays and coinsurance, and the out-of-pocket maximum, which is the most you would pay for covered care in a year. Then check whether your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions are covered, and whether the plan is an HMO, which usually requires you to stay in network, or a PPO, which offers more flexibility at a higher price.
Example: A healthy freelancer is choosing between a Bronze plan at a lower monthly premium with a high deductible and a Silver plan at a higher premium. If they rarely see a doctor, the Bronze plan may cost less over the year. But if their income qualifies them for cost-sharing reductions, the Silver plan’s much lower deductible could make it the better value. HealthCare.gov shows estimated yearly costs for both.
Step-by-step: enrolling for 2027
- Gather your information. Have Social Security numbers, immigration documents if applicable, employer details and your best estimate of 2027 household income ready.
- Log in or create an account. Go to HealthCare.gov or your state Marketplace and update or start your application.
- Check your savings. The application shows whether you qualify for a premium tax credit, cost-sharing reductions, Medicaid or CHIP.
- Compare plans. Filter by your doctors and prescriptions, and compare estimated yearly costs, not just premiums.
- Pick a plan by December 15. This is the deadline for coverage that starts January 1.
- Pay your first premium. Coverage does not start until the insurer receives your first payment, so follow the payment instructions promptly.
Free help and avoiding scams
Free, unbiased enrollment help is available from certified Navigators and other trained assisters, which you can find through HealthCare.gov. Licensed agents and brokers can also help, but ask which insurers they work with so you know whether you are seeing every option.
Be careful with unsolicited calls, texts and social media ads promising free health insurance, cash cards or “government benefits” if you call a number. Some lead to unauthorized plan switches or to products that are not ACA-compliant coverage, such as short-term plans or discount cards that do not cover essential health benefits. Never share your Social Security number or bank details with someone who contacted you first. If you are unsure, contact HealthCare.gov or your state Marketplace directly.
Common questions
When is ACA Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage
On HealthCare.gov it runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Pick a plan by December 15, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1. State-run Marketplaces may use different dates.
Why do some websites say Open Enrollment ends December 15
A 2025 federal rule would have ended the HealthCare.gov window on December 15 starting with 2027 coverage. A federal court vacated that change in June 2026, and CMS confirmed the January 15 end date. The government has appealed, so check HealthCare.gov for the latest dates.
What if I miss Open Enrollment
You generally cannot enroll until the next Open Enrollment unless you have a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, moving, getting married or having a baby, which opens a Special Enrollment Period. You may also qualify for Medicaid or CHIP at any time of year.
Do I have to re-enroll every year
Not always, since many people are automatically re-enrolled. But updating your application and comparing plans each year is the only way to make sure your subsidy and plan still fit your situation.
Before you enroll
Mark December 15 as your real deadline, update your income estimate and compare plans using your actual doctors and prescriptions. Use free Navigator help if the choice feels complicated, and pay your first premium promptly so your coverage starts on time.
Editorial note: This article is general information and is not affiliated with HealthCare.gov, CMS or any insurer. It is not insurance or tax advice and does not recommend any plan. Dates reflect CMS’s confirmed 2027 schedule as of October 2026 and may change if courts or regulators act. Confirm details at HealthCare.gov or your state Marketplace.