Key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1 November 2026 | Open enrollment for 2027 coverage begins on HealthCare.gov |
| 15 December 2026 | Last day to choose a plan for coverage starting 1 January 2027 |
| 15 January 2027 | Open enrollment ends on HealthCare.gov; plans chosen after 15 December start 1 February |
These are the HealthCare.gov dates as listed in October 2026. A federal rule had planned to end open enrollment on 15 December for 2027 coverage, but reports say a court vacated it in 2026; the government appealed. Enroll by 15 December to be safe, and confirm the dates on HealthCare.gov.
State-run marketplaces, such as Covered California, NY State of Health and Get Covered New Jersey, set their own dates, and some run until 31 January 2027. Check your state's site.
What has changed for 2027
Enhanced subsidies have expired. From 2021, enhanced premium tax credits made Marketplace plans cheaper for most enrollees and extended help to people earning more than 400 percent of the federal poverty level. They expired at the end of 2025. The House passed a three-year extension in January 2026, but as of October 2026 the Senate had not passed it, so the original subsidy rules apply for 2027 unless Congress acts. That means:
- Lower-income enrollees generally still qualify for help, but may pay more than in 2025.
- People above 400 percent of the poverty level generally do not qualify for premium tax credits, the so-called subsidy cliff.
Premiums vary. Insurers set new rates each year. Compare your options rather than assuming last year's plan is still the best value.
How to choose a plan
- Update your income estimate. Subsidies are based on expected 2027 household income. Underestimating can mean repaying credits at tax time.
- Compare metal levels:
- Bronze: lowest premiums, highest costs when you need care.
- Silver: middle; if your income is low enough, silver plans include cost-sharing reductions that lower deductibles.
- Gold and platinum: higher premiums, lower costs when you use care.
- Check the network. Make sure your doctors, hospitals and pharmacies are in-network.
- Check your prescriptions on each plan's drug list.
- Look at the total cost, not just the premium: deductible, co-pays and the out-of-pocket maximum.
- Consider a high-deductible plan with an HSA if you are generally healthy and can save. HSA limits rise in 2027; see our guide to 2027 HSA contribution limits.
Who should use the Marketplace
- People without job-based coverage, including the self-employed, gig workers and early retirees.
- People whose employer coverage is considered unaffordable under ACA rules.
- Those who lost Medicaid coverage and earn too much to qualify again.
If you are 65 or older, Medicare has its own open enrollment, from 15 October to 7 December each year. See our guide to Medicare changes.
Where to get help
- HealthCare.gov and your state marketplace's website.
- Navigators and certified assisters, who give free, unbiased help.
- Licensed brokers, who are paid by insurers; ask which plans they can sell.
Beware of websites and calls offering "Obamacare" plans that are not Marketplace plans, such as short-term or limited-benefit policies, which may not cover pre-existing conditions.
Key takeaways
- Open enrollment for 2027 starts on 1 November 2026; choose by 15 December for coverage from 1 January.
- Enhanced subsidies expired at the end of 2025 and had not been restored as of October 2026.
- Update your income, compare total costs and check networks and drug lists.
- Use HealthCare.gov or your state's marketplace, and free navigators for help.
This article is general information, not financial, tax or insurance advice. It reflects the rules reported as of 24 October 2026; confirm details on HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace.