By Qamar S, 15 years in US medical billing · Last reviewed October 31, 2026
To apply on HealthCare.gov, create an account, fill out one application for your household, estimate your 2027 income, then compare plans and pick one by December 15, 2026 for coverage starting January 1. Open Enrollment runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 in states that use HealthCare.gov. The application usually takes 30 to 60 minutes if you have your papers ready.
For 2027, income matters more than ever. The extra “enhanced” tax credits ended after 2025, so help with premiums now generally stops above 400% of the poverty level (about $63,840 for one person, based on the 2026 poverty guideline of $15,960). Estimate your income carefully.
See 2027 plans and prices before you apply
You can preview 2027 Marketplace plans and estimated prices on HealthCare.gov before you fill out an application. Use the “Preview plans and prices” tool: enter your ZIP code, who is in your household and your expected 2027 income. You’ll see plans in your area with estimated premiums after any tax credit.
- Prices are estimates. You get exact prices after you complete the application.
- Compare total yearly cost, not just the premium. Our health plan cost comparison tool adds premiums and expected out-of-pocket costs.
- Expect higher prices. Insurers asked for about 15% more for 2027. See why ACA premiums are rising.
- State marketplace? If your state runs its own exchange (for example California, New York or Pennsylvania), HealthCare.gov sends you there.
What to have ready
- Social Security numbers (or document numbers for lawfully present immigrants) for everyone applying
- Dates of birth for everyone in your tax household
- Your best estimate of 2027 household income: pay stubs, W-2s, 1099s, self-employment records
- Information about any job-based coverage you or your family could get, including what it costs the employee
- Current health coverage details, if any
- A list of your doctors and prescriptions, to check plan networks and drug lists
Step by step
- Create or log in to your account at HealthCare.gov. If your state runs its own marketplace, HealthCare.gov sends you there.
- Fill out the application for everyone in your tax household.
- Estimate your 2027 income. This sets your premium tax credit. If it changes during the year, update it within 30 days.
- Get your eligibility results. You’ll see whether you qualify for tax credits, cost-sharing reductions or Medicaid/CHIP.
- Compare plans. Look at the premium after tax credits, the deductible, the out-of-pocket maximum (up to $12,000 for one person in 2027), the doctor network and the drug list.
- Enroll and pay the first premium. Coverage doesn’t start until the first payment is made.
- Answer any document requests by the deadline, or you could lose your tax credit.
How much of your tax credit to take in advance
You can take the premium tax credit up front each month, part of it, or all of it at tax time. If your income ends up higher than you estimated, you may have to pay some back when you file. Taking less in advance lowers that risk.
Common mistakes
- Auto-renewing without looking. Your plan, its network or your tax credit may change for 2027.
- Guessing income too low to get a bigger credit. You may owe it back.
- Ignoring Silver plans. If your income is under 250% of the poverty level, a Silver plan may come with cost-sharing reductions that cut your deductible.
- Missing a document request. Watch your HealthCare.gov messages.
From 15 years in billing: after you enroll, save your plan’s ID card and Summary of Benefits as soon as they arrive, and give your new card to every doctor’s office at your first visit in January. Claims sent under last year’s plan are one of the most common reasons bills get denied early in the year.
Need help choosing? Try our free health plan cost comparison calculator and read Bronze vs Silver vs Gold. Free local help is available through HealthCare.gov’s Find Local Help tool.
Sources: HealthCare.gov: How to apply · HealthCare.gov: Premium tax credit · Mercer: 2027 affordability and poverty line · Newhouse Financial: 2027 Open Enrollment dates
This guide is educational and is not legal, financial or insurance advice. See our Disclaimer.