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Guide · Open enrollment 2027Open enrollment 2027: dates, deadlines and what changed.
In most states, open enrollment for 2027 health insurance runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. A few states run longer. Several rules changed for 2027, and one change means this may be the last year automatic renewal keeps your subsidy.
Every fall, millions of people let their health plan renew without looking. For 2027 that is riskier than usual: subsidies, eligibility rules and repayment rules have all changed. Here is what you need to know whichever state you live in. If you are in Florida, see our Florida open enrollment guide too.
Key dates
- November 1, 2026: open enrollment starts in most states.
- December 15, 2026: enroll by this date for coverage starting January 1, 2027.
- January 15, 2027: open enrollment ends on HealthCare.gov. Plans chosen after December 15 start February 1.
After open enrollment, you can only enroll with a qualifying life event such as losing other coverage, moving, marriage or a new baby.
States with their own dates
Most states use HealthCare.gov and follow the dates above. Some run their own exchange and set their own schedule:
- Virginia (Virginia's Insurance Marketplace): November 1 to January 29, 2027.
- California, New Jersey and DC: November 1 to January 31, 2027.
- Massachusetts and Connecticut: open October 23, 2026.
- Idaho: October 15 to December 15, 2026.
- Illinois (Get Covered Illinois) and Pennsylvania (Pennie): published sources disagree on whether they close January 15 or later, so confirm with your exchange.
- Georgia (Georgia Access), Kentucky (kynect), Maryland (Maryland Health Connection), Nevada (Nevada Health Link) and Colorado (Connect for Health Colorado) run their own exchanges on the standard November 1 to January 15 window.
Deadlines for coverage starting January 1 can also differ in state-run exchanges. When in doubt, enroll by December 15.
What changed for 2027
The subsidy cliff is still in place
The enhanced premium tax credits expired at the start of 2026. For 2027 coverage, households above 400% of the federal poverty level get no subsidy. In the 48 contiguous states that is about $63,840 for one person, $86,560 for two and $132,000 for a family of four. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits. Below the cliff you pay between 2.15% and 10.22% of income toward the benchmark Silver plan. The ACA subsidy calculator shows where you fall.
No more repayment caps
Starting with 2026 coverage, if your income ends up higher than your estimate, you repay the full excess subsidy when you file taxes. The old caps that limited repayment are gone. Estimate carefully and report changes during the year.
Fewer immigrants qualify for subsidies
From 2027, premium tax credits are limited to citizens, green card holders, Cuban and Haitian entrants and citizens of the Compact of Free Association nations. Other lawfully present people can still enroll at full price. See our guide for visa holders and immigrants.
Cheaper options without a subsidy
People who cannot get a subsidy because of their income can buy catastrophic plans, and Bronze and catastrophic plans now work with a health savings account. More in catastrophic plans and HSAs.
Fewer chances to enroll later
Federal changes in 2025 cut back the special enrollment period that let lower-income households sign up at any time of year. Do not count on enrolling later; choose your plan during open enrollment.
Automatic renewal is ending
Starting with 2028 coverage, federal law requires everyone to verify their eligibility before a subsidy is paid, ending automatic re-enrollment with a subsidy. 2027 may be the last year your plan quietly renews with financial help, which is one more reason to review it now.
Your checklist before you renew
- Read your renewal notice for next year's premium, deductible and any plan changes.
- Update your expected 2027 income. Self-employed? Use net profit after expenses.
- Check your doctors, hospital and prescriptions against the 2027 network and drug list.
- Compare Bronze, Silver and Gold. Under 250% of the poverty level, Silver usually wins because of cost-sharing reductions.
- Over the cliff? Compare private plans outside the Marketplace as well.
- Enroll by December 15 for January 1 coverage.
Free help in 32 states
We are licensed in 32 states, including Florida, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Virginia. Send us your ZIP code and current plan and a licensed advisor will compare your renewal with every 2027 option within 24 hours, in English or Spanish.
Common questions
When is open enrollment for 2027 health insurance?
In states that use HealthCare.gov, from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1, 2027. Some states with their own exchange set different dates.
Which states have different open enrollment dates?
Among states with their own exchanges, Virginia runs to January 29, 2027, and California, New Jersey and DC run to January 31. Massachusetts and Connecticut open on October 23, and Idaho runs from October 15 to December 15. Illinois and Pennsylvania may also run later, so check your state's exchange.
Is Medicare open enrollment the same thing?
No. Medicare's annual enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7 and is for people on Medicare. ACA open enrollment is for individual and family plans for people under 65 without job-based coverage.
Do I have to repay my subsidy if my income goes up?
Starting with 2026 coverage, the caps on repaying excess premium tax credits are gone. If your actual income ends up higher than you estimated, you repay the full difference at tax time. Update your income with the Marketplace as soon as it changes.
Will my plan renew automatically?
Usually yes for 2027, but your premium, network and subsidy can change, so review it. Federal law passed in 2025 ends automatic re-enrollment with a subsidy starting with 2028 coverage, when everyone will need to verify eligibility again.
