ACA Open Enrollment Checklist for 2027 Coverage

Key takeaways

In HealthCare.gov states, open enrollment for 2027 runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027.
Pick a plan by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1. Later picks start February 1.
State-run marketplaces can set their own dates, so use your state's website if it has one.
Compare total cost, including the deductible, and check your doctors and drugs.

What is confirmed

In states that use HealthCare.gov, open enrollment for 2027 runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027, according to CMS.
Pick a plan between November 1 and December 15 for coverage that starts January 1. Pick between December 16 and January 15 for coverage that starts February 1.
State-run marketplaces can set their own dates.

Gather these first

Your household size and an estimate of your 2027 income.
Your doctors, hospitals and prescription drugs.
Details of your current plan, including what you paid this year.
Your marketplace login, if you already have one.

The checklist

Find your marketplace: HealthCare.gov, or your state's own site if it runs one.
Update your application with your current income and household. Your subsidy depends on them.
See the plans you qualify for and your help with costs.
Compare the total yearly cost: premium, deductible and out-of-pocket maximum, not the premium alone.
Check each plan's network and drug list against your doctors and drugs.
Think about the trade-off: bronze plans have lower premiums and higher deductibles. KFF found many people moved to bronze in 2026.
Pick a plan by December 15 if you want coverage from January 1.
Follow your insurer's instructions to pay the first premium, and save your confirmation.

If you miss the deadline

In HealthCare.gov states you can still enroll until January 15, and coverage then starts February 1. After that, you can generally enroll only if you qualify for a special enrollment period, such as after losing coverage or moving.

Common mistakes

Letting a plan renew automatically without checking the new price and benefits.
Choosing the lowest premium without checking the deductible.
Using last year's income for your application.
Assuming a state marketplace uses the HealthCare.gov dates.

General information only. It is not insurance, legal or financial advice. Rules and dates change and differ by state and plan, so confirm details with the official source, your insurer or your state agency.

Questions

When does ACA open enrollment for 2027 start?

November 1, 2026. In HealthCare.gov states it runs through January 15, 2027, and December 15 is the deadline for coverage that starts January 1.

What if my state runs its own marketplace?

It can set its own dates, so check your state marketplace's website.

Can I enroll after January 15?

Generally only with a special enrollment period, such as after losing coverage, moving, getting married or having a baby.

Sources

Update log

October 7, 2026: Published before the 2027 enrollment deadlines.

Informational only. Rules and policy terms change and differ by state and insurer. Confirm details with your policy, your insurer or your state insurance department.