Open enrollment is the one time each year most people can freely enroll in or change a health plan. Here is what to know for the 2027 coverage year.
The dates that matter
- Open enrollment for 2027 coverage begins November 1, 2026.
- Enroll by December 15, 2026 to have coverage start January 1, 2027.
- On HealthCare.gov, enrollment typically runs into mid-January (around January 15, 2027) for a February 1 start. Some state-run marketplaces set their own, sometimes longer, deadlines — and enrollment rules can change year to year, so confirm your state's current deadline.
The safest move is to treat December 15 as your deadline so your coverage starts with the new year.
Why you should not just auto-renew
If you do nothing, you may be auto-enrolled in the same or a similar plan — but plans change every year. Premiums, deductibles, networks, and drug formularies all reset, and your subsidy can change even if your income does not. Re-shopping every open enrollment is one of the highest-value things you can do. See what is changing for 2027.
Your prep checklist
- Estimate your 2027 household income — it drives your subsidy.
- List your doctors and prescriptions and confirm each plan covers them.
- Compare total cost (premium + expected out-of-pocket), not premium alone.
- Check your subsidy eligibility before you pick a tier.
Want a step-by-step version? Use our 2027 open enrollment checklist.
Missed the window?
If you miss open enrollment, you generally need a qualifying life event to enroll later. See what to do if you missed open enrollment.
Ready for 2027? Compare plans and see your subsidy before the deadline. Our free tool compares plans from 50+ carriers and shows what you'd actually pay in about 60 seconds — no obligation, real answers from a licensed broker. Get your free quote →