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Insurance Deadlines and Changes: What Is Coming Up

A dated list of insurance deadlines and rule changes that affect consumers from October 2026 into 2027, each tied to an official source.

5 min read · Last updated · 6 cited sources · Published by Simple Insurance Guide · How we verify

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Key takeaways

  • Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2026, and ACA open enrollment in HealthCare.gov states runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027.
  • The National Flood Insurance Program is authorized through December 11, 2026.
  • On January 1, 2027, states must generally start Medicaid work requirements, and Part D costs change.
  • We list only dates confirmed by official sources, and we remove items after they pass.

How to use this page

This page lists dated deadlines and changes confirmed by official sources, so you can see what is coming up. We add items when they are confirmed and remove them after they pass. The update log at the end records every change.

Upcoming deadlines and changes

Upcoming insurance deadlines and changes
DateWhat happensWho it affects
Around October 8, 2026Medicare 2027 Star Ratings are posted on Medicare.gov.People with Medicare
October 15 to December 7, 2026Medicare Open Enrollment, for changes that take effect January 1, 2027.People with Medicare
November 1, 2026ACA open enrollment starts in HealthCare.gov states.People who buy Marketplace plans
December 11, 2026The NFIP's authorization ends unless Congress extends it.Flood policyholders and buyers in flood zones
December 15, 2026Last day to pick a HealthCare.gov plan for coverage that starts January 1.People who buy Marketplace plans
January 1, 2027A new plan year starts. The Part D deductible is $700 and the out-of-pocket cap is $2,400.People with Medicare drug coverage
January 1, 2027States must generally have Medicaid work requirements in place.Certain adults in Medicaid
January 1 to March 31, 2027Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment, for people already in a Medicare Advantage plan.People in Medicare Advantage
January 15, 2027ACA open enrollment ends in HealthCare.gov states.People who buy Marketplace plans

What recently changed

  • June 12, 2026: a federal court vacated the shorter ACA open enrollment window, and CMS confirmed that HealthCare.gov enrollment for 2027 runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027.
  • January 1, 2026: New Jersey raised its minimum car liability limits to 35/70/25, and Hawaii raised its limits to 40/80/20.
  • December 31, 2025: the ACA's enhanced premium tax credits expired.

How to read the list

Dates here come from the sources listed below. State marketplaces, state Medicaid agencies and your own plan can have different dates, so confirm yours with the official site or your plan. Each row has a guide that explains it in more detail, listed under related articles.

Common mistakes

  • Waiting until the last day of an enrollment period.
  • Assuming a state marketplace uses the same dates as HealthCare.gov.
  • Assuming a policy's dates change because a program's deadline does.

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

Where can I find my state's enrollment dates?

On your state marketplace's website, or on HealthCare.gov if your state uses it. State marketplaces can set their own dates.

How often is this page updated?

We update it when an official source confirms a new date or change, and we remove items after they pass. The update log shows each change.

Do you list every insurance deadline?

No. We list the dated items that affect many consumers and that official sources confirm. Your own policy, plan and state may have others.

Sources

Update log

  • : Created with the deadlines confirmed by CMS, Medicare.gov and the Congressional Research Service.

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.

Keep exploring

Medicare Enrollment Periods: When Can You Sign Up?For most people, Medicare sign-up opens 3 months before you turn 65 and lasts 7 months. Here are the main enrollment periods.
Health · 5 min
Medicare Changes for 2027: Premiums, Part D and DatesMedicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2026. See what CMS reports for 2027 Advantage premiums and Part D costs.
Health · 6 min
Why ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Rising in 2027Insurers propose a median 15% increase for 2027 after the enhanced subsidies expired. See what is confirmed and what to do before you enroll.
Health · 6 min
Medicaid Work Requirements in 2027: Who Is AffectedA federal rule requires certain Medicaid adults to show 80 hours a month of work or similar activity. States must start by January 1, 2027.
Health · 6 min
NFIP Flood Insurance Deadline: What a Lapse Would MeanThe National Flood Insurance Program is authorized through December 11, 2026. See what that means and what would change if it lapsed.
Home · 5 min
ACA Open Enrollment Checklist for 2027 CoverageOpen enrollment for 2027 starts November 1. Use this checklist to compare plans and pick one before the December 15 and January 15 deadlines.
Health · 5 min
Medicare Open Enrollment Checklist: What to ReviewMedicare Open Enrollment ends December 7. Use this checklist to review your plan's costs, drugs, doctors and pharmacies before you decide.
Health · 5 min

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