U.S. · Health Insurance Marketplace · Coverage year 2027
ACA open enrollment 2027 dates.
HealthCare.gov open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 and coverage can start January 1.
Countdown
Dates below are for HealthCare.gov states. State exchanges can differ.
Result
The 2027 HealthCare.gov dates in one table
HealthCare.gov lists these dates for the Marketplace, as read on November 1, 2026. CMS's October 30, 2026 fact sheet gives the same window: open enrollment for 2027 coverage begins November 1, 2026 and runs through January 15, 2027.
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open enrollment starts. Enroll in, renew or change a plan for 2027. |
| December 15, 2026 | Last day to enroll or change plans for coverage that starts January 1, 2027. |
| January 1, 2027 | Coverage starts for people who enrolled or changed by December 15 and paid the first premium. |
| January 15, 2027 | Open enrollment ends. After this you need a Special Enrollment Period. |
| February 1, 2027 | Coverage starts for people who enrolled or changed December 16 through January 15 and paid the first premium. |
What happens if you miss January 15
After open enrollment closes you can enroll or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, which HealthCare.gov ties to a life change such as getting married, a new baby or dependent, moving, or losing other coverage. Applying for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is possible at any time.
State exchanges set their own dates
States that run their own exchange may start or end open enrollment on different days, so a deadline on a state site can be earlier or later than January 15. If you use a state site rather than HealthCare.gov, use your state's page: California, Colorado, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington are covered on this site.
What to do before December 15
- Estimate your 2027 income. The premium tax credit now stops above 400% of the poverty line. Use the 2027 subsidy income limits calculator to see where you land.
- Compare the plan types. CMS says 2027 enrollees on HealthCare.gov have access to 35 HSA-eligible plans on average. The HDHP vs PPO break-even calculator shows which design costs less at your usage.
- Check the cost ceiling. See what you could pay in a bad year with the out-of-pocket maximum calculator.
- Report income changes. If you receive advance credits, a wrong estimate is settled on your tax return, and for 2026 and later the whole excess is repaid. See the repayment calculator.
What this does not cover
- Medicare, which has its own fall window: see the Medicare open enrollment checklist.
- Employer plan open enrollment, which each employer sets.
- Medicaid and CHIP rules, which differ by state.
Sources
Retrieved 2026-11-01. Each page was opened and read against the claim next to it.
- HealthCare.gov, When can you get health insurance?: every date and coverage-start rule in the table.
- CMS, Plan Year 2027 Marketplace Plans and Prices Fact Sheet (October 30, 2026): the November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 window and the count of HSA-eligible plans.
Frequently asked questions
When does ACA open enrollment start for 2027?
November 1, 2026 for HealthCare.gov, according to HealthCare.gov and CMS.
When does ACA open enrollment end for 2027?
January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov. Some state-based exchanges use different end dates.
What is the deadline for coverage to start January 1?
December 15, 2026. Enroll or change plans by then and pay your first premium.
When does coverage start if I enroll in January?
February 1, 2027 if you enroll or change plans from December 16 through January 15 and pay the first premium.
Can I enroll after January 15?
Only with a Special Enrollment Period, usually after a life change like moving, marriage, a new dependent or losing other coverage. Medicaid and CHIP applications are accepted all year.
Do state exchanges follow the same dates?
Not always. Each state-based exchange publishes its own window, so check your state's exchange if you do not use HealthCare.gov.
Estimate only
Informational only, not insurance or legal advice. Dates were read on November 1, 2026 and can change; confirm on HealthCare.gov or your state exchange. Nothing you enter leaves your browser.