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ACA open enrollment for 2027 coverage: dates and savings

HealthCare.gov open enrollment for 2027 runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Deadlines, special enrollment periods and premium tax credit basics.

Updated: October 11, 2026

Key dates on HealthCare.gov

DateWhat happens
November 1, 2026Open enrollment for 2027 plans starts
December 15, 2026Last day to pick a plan that starts January 1, 2027
January 15, 2027Open enrollment ends; plans picked from December 16 start February 1, 2027

Coverage only starts once you pay your first premium. CMS confirmed these dates in July 2026 after court rulings blocked parts of earlier rules that would have shortened the window.

State marketplaces can differ

HealthCare.gov serves most states, but some states run their own marketplace. Federal rules let those states keep open enrollment past January 15, and some that started early may keep their own schedule. If your state has its own exchange, check its site for the exact deadlines.

Special enrollment periods

Outside open enrollment you can only sign up or switch plans if a life change gives you a special enrollment period. Common reasons:

  • Losing health coverage, including job-based coverage, COBRA, Medicaid or CHIP
  • Marriage, a birth, an adoption or a foster placement
  • Moving to a new ZIP code or county
  • Divorce or a death that ends your coverage

You usually have 60 days from the event to pick a plan, and for lost coverage you can also apply up to 60 days before it ends. You can apply for Medicaid and CHIP at any time of year.

Premium tax credit basics

The premium tax credit lowers what you pay for a marketplace plan. You can have it paid in advance to your insurer each month, or claim it on your tax return. To qualify, your household income generally has to be between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty line, you cannot get affordable coverage through a job or through Medicaid or Medicare, and you cannot file as married filing separately (with limited exceptions).

Two rules changed starting in 2026:

  • Above 400% of the poverty line you are not eligible at all.
  • If you received more in advance than you qualify for, you repay all of it at tax time. The old repayment caps are gone, even for incomes under 400%.

Anyone who gets advance payments must file Form 8962 with their return.

What it means for your monthly budget

Your monthly premium after the credit is based on the income you expect for 2027, not last year's. Estimate it honestly and report raises, new jobs or a change in household size during the year. Since there is no longer a cap on repayment, an income jump can turn into a large tax bill in April. If your income is irregular, put aside part of each good month until you file.

Sources

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