Open Enrollment 2027: Dates, Deadlines and What Changed

By Qamar S, 15 years in US medical billing · Last reviewed September 24, 2026

Open Enrollment for 2027 health insurance runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov. Pick a plan by December 15, 2026 if you want coverage to start January 1. Premiums are rising again for 2027, so it pays to compare plans instead of letting your current plan renew automatically.

Quick facts for 2027: Enroll Nov 1, 2026 – Jan 15, 2027 (most states) · Deadline for Jan 1 coverage: Dec 15, 2026 · Insurers proposed a median premium increase of about 15% · The extra “enhanced” subsidies ended after 2025 · 2027 HSA limits: $4,500 self / $9,000 family.

Key dates for 2027 coverage

What	Date (HealthCare.gov states)
Open Enrollment starts	November 1, 2026
Last day to enroll for January 1 coverage	December 15, 2026
Open Enrollment ends	January 15, 2027 (coverage starts February 1)

State-run marketplaces set their own dates. Idaho opens early (October 15) and closes December 15. Connecticut and Massachusetts open October 23. Several states stay open longer, including California, New York, New Jersey and Washington, DC (to January 31). Check your state’s marketplace if you don’t use HealthCare.gov.

A 2025 federal rule would have shortened Open Enrollment, but a federal judge blocked it in June 2026, so the January 15 end date still applies for 2027 in most states. The government has appealed, so we will update this page if anything changes.

What changed for 2027

Premiums are going up again

Insurers proposed a median premium increase of about 15% for 2027, with some proposing much more. The main reasons are higher medical costs, expensive drugs such as GLP-1s and healthier people leaving the marketplace. See the Peterson-KFF analysis.

If you get a premium subsidy, your subsidy usually rises with the benchmark plan price, so your net cost may rise less than the sticker price. But your current plan’s price can still jump, which is why comparing matters.

The extra subsidies are gone

The enhanced premium tax credits that ran from 2021 through 2025 expired on December 31, 2025. That means:

Subsidies are again limited to households earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level. Above that, you pay full price.
Most people below that level still qualify for help, just less than in 2025.

Other changes to know

Higher out-of-pocket maximum: the most a marketplace plan can make you pay in a year for in-network care rises to $12,000 for an individual (up from $10,600 in 2026).
Bronze and catastrophic plans work with HSAs: since 2026, these plans count as HSA-compatible, so you can put tax-free money aside. See our HSA vs FSA guide.
Immigrant eligibility narrows: starting in 2027, only lawful permanent residents, certain Cuban and Haitian entrants and people from the Compact of Free Association nations qualify for marketplace subsidies.
Subsidy reconciliation: if your income ends up higher than you estimated, you may have to pay back more of your subsidy at tax time than in past years. Update your income on your application if it changes.

How to choose a plan in 5 steps

Estimate your 2027 income. Your subsidy depends on it. Use your best honest estimate.
List your doctors and prescriptions. Check each plan’s network and drug list before you pick. A cheap plan that doesn’t include your doctor is not cheap.
Compare the total cost, not just the premium. Add the yearly premium to the deductible and the out-of-pocket maximum to see your best-case and worst-case year.
Pick the plan type that fits how you use care. HMOs are cheaper but need referrals; PPOs cost more but let you see out-of-network doctors. See PPO vs HMO.
Look at silver plans if your income is lower. If your income is under 250% of the poverty level, a silver plan can come with extra savings (cost-sharing reductions) that lower your deductible and copays.

From the billing side: the most common surprise bills I see come from people who kept a plan that quietly changed its network. Doctors and hospitals leave networks every year. Before January 1, call your main doctor’s billing office and ask: “Are you in-network with [plan name] for 2027?” Write down the date and the name of the person you spoke to.

What happens if you do nothing

If you already have a marketplace plan and do nothing, you will usually be re-enrolled automatically in the same or a similar plan. That is convenient, but your premium, network and subsidy can all change. Log in, update your income and compare at least two other plans before December 15.

If you miss Open Enrollment

After January 15, you can only enroll if you have a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, moving, getting married or having a baby. This is called a Special Enrollment Period, and you usually have 60 days from the event to sign up.

Frequently asked questions

When is Open Enrollment for 2027?

On HealthCare.gov it runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1.

Will my premium go up in 2027?

Probably. Insurers proposed a median increase of about 15%. Your actual cost depends on your plan, your state and whether you get a subsidy.

Can I still get a subsidy in 2027?

Yes, if your household income is between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level and you meet the other rules. The extra help from 2021–2025 ended, so above 400% you pay full price.

Is it worth switching plans?

Often, yes. Compare at least three plans on total yearly cost, network and drug coverage. Staying put without checking is how many people end up paying more.

Sources

*This guide is educational and is not legal, tax or insurance advice. Rules vary by state. For help choosing a plan, contact your state marketplace or a licensed, unbiased enrollment assister (“Navigator”). See our Disclaimer.*