Your Open Enrollment deadline depends on one thing: whether your state uses the federal marketplace (HealthCare.gov) or runs its own. Most states use HealthCare.gov and share the same dates. A handful of state-run marketplaces set their own. Here is the complete picture for 2027 coverage.
If your state uses HealthCare.gov
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open Enrollment opens |
| December 15, 2026 | Last day for coverage starting January 1 |
| January 15, 2027 | Open Enrollment closes (coverage starts February 1) |
These dates come from HealthCare.gov's official calendar. The rule that would have closed enrollment on December 15 was vacated by a federal court — here is why the deadline is January 15.
States with different dates
State-run marketplaces can set their own windows. For 2027 coverage, the notable exceptions reported so far:
| State | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| California, New Jersey, New York, D.C. | November 1 | January 31 |
| Massachusetts | October 23 | January 23 |
| Connecticut | October 23 | January 15 |
| Rhode Island | November 1 | December 31 |
| Idaho | October 15 | December 15 |
Even in states with a later final deadline, there is usually a mid-December cutoff for coverage that starts January 1. Check your marketplace's own calendar for that date.
State-run marketplaces to know
Several states run their own enrollment sites. If you live in one of these, enroll there rather than on HealthCare.gov:
- Illinois — Get Covered Illinois (the state took over enrollment starting with 2026 coverage)
- Georgia — Georgia Access
- Virginia — Virginia's Insurance Marketplace
- Kentucky — kynect
- Colorado — Connect for Health Colorado
- Maryland — Maryland Health Connection
- Nevada — Nevada Health Link
If your state is not listed in the exceptions table, its window typically closes January 15 — but confirm on your marketplace, because states can change dates year to year.
Missed your state's deadline?
You may still qualify through a Special Enrollment Period if you had a qualifying life event, and Medicaid and CHIP accept applications all year. Our guide to what to do if you missed Open Enrollment walks through every option.
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