Open Enrollment 2027: Key Dates and What to Know
Open enrollment for 2027 health coverage runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov. If you buy your own insurance, this is the one time each year you can switch Marketplace plans without a life event. Here's what to know, and why it pays to compare before you renew.
Key dates for 2027 coverage
- November 1, 2026: open enrollment begins.
- December 15, 2026: enroll by this date for coverage that starts January 1.
- January 15, 2027: last day to enroll. Coverage starts February 1.
These are the dates for states that use HealthCare.gov, including Florida, Texas, Missouri and Wisconsin (source: HealthCare.gov). Georgia (Georgia Access) and Nevada (Nevada Health Link) run their own enrollment sites, so check their dates.
What's different this year
The extra premium help that lowered Marketplace costs from 2021 through 2025 expired at the end of 2025, and Congress has not renewed it. That's why many people saw higher premiums in 2026. Regular premium help is still available if your income qualifies, but many families and self-employed people now pay more than they used to.
That makes comparing your options more important than ever.
Don't just auto-renew
If you do nothing, your current plan usually renews automatically. But premiums, doctor networks and covered prescriptions can all change from year to year. Read your renewal notice, and compare before December 15.
Private plans don't wait for open enrollment
Marketplace plans are only one option. Many private health plans let you apply any time of year, so you can get covered on your schedule. They're priced on your health instead of your income, which is why healthy families and self-employed people often save, especially if you earn too much to get Marketplace premium help.
Missed the deadline? A private plan may still be an option.
Self-employed? Estimate your income carefully
Marketplace premium help is based on your expected 2027 income. If your income changes month to month, see our guide to health insurance for the self-employed.
Your open enrollment checklist
- Read your renewal notice and look for premium changes
- Check that your doctors and hospitals are still in-network
- Check that your prescriptions are still covered
- Compare Marketplace and private plan options side by side
- Enroll by December 15 so coverage starts January 1
Kyle can compare your Marketplace and private plan options on one free call. Families in Florida can also see our Florida family health insurance page.
