2027 Open Enrollment: Dates, Deadlines & How to Prepare

The dates are official: Open Enrollment runs November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027, and after two straight years of double-digit premium increases — plus a dozen insurers leaving the marketplace — the worst thing you can do is auto-renew without looking. Here are the confirmed dates, key deadlines, and a prep checklist to make enrollment painless.

2027 health insurance open enrollment calendar and deadlines

By Health Insurance Network Team

Quick Answer: 2027 Open Enrollment

CMS confirmed in August 2026 that Open Enrollment on HealthCare.gov runs November 1, 2026 – January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15, 2026 for coverage starting January 1, 2027; enroll after that (through January 15) and coverage usually starts February 1. Some state exchanges have longer windows. Miss the window and you'll generally need a Special Enrollment Period. And this year especially, don't auto-renew without re-checking your subsidy and comparing plans.

Update (September 2026): The dates are confirmed

After a court fight over a rule that would have shortened the window, CMS confirmed in August 2026 that HealthCare.gov will use the full November 1 – January 15 schedule. Even so, the smart strategy hasn't changed: treat December 15 as your deadline — it's what guarantees January 1 coverage with no gap. Background on the court battle: Is Open Enrollment Shorter This Year?

Key Dates to Know

Milestone	Date
Open Enrollment begins	November 1, 2026
Deadline for Jan 1 start	December 15, 2026
Open Enrollment ends	January 15, 2027
State exchanges	May run longer — check your state

HealthCare.gov dates confirmed by CMS in August 2026; state-run exchanges may differ — verify your state's schedule.

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Your 2027 Prep Checklist

Estimate your 2027 household income (for your subsidy).
Gather SSNs/document numbers for everyone applying.
List your doctors and prescriptions to check networks and formularies.
Review this year's plan — premium, deductible, and what changed.
Note any employer coverage offers (they affect subsidy eligibility).

Smart Moves for 2027

Re-check your subsidy. Don't assume last year's amount carries over.
Compare every carrier. Two years of repricing changed which plans are cheapest — and with a dozen insurers exiting for 2027, your carrier may not even be an option. If yours is leaving, never accept the auto-assigned replacement without checking its network and drug list.
Enroll early. Beat the December rush and lock in a January 1 start.
Match the plan to your care. Confirm your doctors and drugs are covered.

Don't wait until January

Enrolling early avoids website slowdowns and long call waits, and it secures a January 1 start so you're not left with a coverage gap.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Open Enrollment for 2027 health insurance?

It's confirmed: CMS announced in August 2026 that Open Enrollment on HealthCare.gov runs November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1. Several state-run exchanges set their own (often longer) windows — check your state's exact dates.

What's the deadline to have coverage start January 1, 2027?

December 15, 2026 in HealthCare.gov states. Enroll between December 16 and the January 15 deadline and coverage usually starts February 1. State exchanges may differ.

What happens if I miss the 2027 Open Enrollment deadline?

You generally can't enroll in a Marketplace plan until the next Open Enrollment unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period after a life event such as losing coverage, moving, marriage, or having a baby. Medicaid and CHIP enrollment stay open year-round.

Why does preparing early matter this year?

After the 2026 premium increases and subsidy changes, auto-renewing into last year's plan can be costly. Preparing early lets you re-check your subsidy, compare every carrier, and avoid the December rush when call wait times and website traffic peak.

What documents do I need to enroll?

Have your household income estimate for 2027, Social Security numbers or document numbers for applicants, current plan details, a list of your doctors and medications, and information about any employer coverage offers. This lets you complete the application and accurately calculate your subsidy.

Should I just auto-renew my current plan?

This year especially, no. 2027 rates are finalizing at a median increase of about 15%, and at least a dozen insurers — including Cigna — are leaving or shrinking their marketplace footprint. If your carrier is exiting, doing nothing means the marketplace may auto-assign you to a different company's plan with a different network and drug list. Re-shopping each Open Enrollment is one of the most reliable ways to save.

Can I change plans after Open Enrollment ends?

Only with a qualifying life event that triggers a Special Enrollment Period. Otherwise you're locked into your plan choice until the next Open Enrollment, so it's worth getting the decision right.

Will I still get a subsidy for 2027?

Premium tax credits still exist, though the enhanced amounts were scaled back for 2026. Eligibility depends on your income and household size. Check each year, because both your situation and the rules can change.