When Is Open Enrollment for Health Insurance in 2026?
Open enrollment for 2027 marketplace plans runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov. Enroll by December 15, 2026 if you want coverage to start January 1 (HealthCare.gov). A plan you pick between December 16 and January 15 usually starts later.
Key facts
- The HealthCare.gov window is 76 days, and CMS confirmed the dates in a July 31, 2026 statement (CMS).
- 21 states and D.C. run their own marketplaces with their own dates; the other 29 states use HealthCare.gov (healthinsurance.org).
- Premium tax credits for 2027 reach households earning up to $63,840 for one person, 400% of the 2026 poverty guideline (HHS).
- The average monthly premium people paid after tax credits rose 58% in 2026, after the larger credits expired (KFF).
- Nov. 1
- open enrollment opens
- Dec. 15
- last day for January 1 coverage
- Jan. 15
- open enrollment ends on HealthCare.gov
The window almost got shorter. A federal rule would have ended open enrollment on December 15 in HealthCare.gov states starting this fall. A judge vacated the rule in June 2026 and the government appealed, with arguments set for late October, according to healthinsurance.org. CMS has said the November 1 to January 15 window stands, though a ruling in the appeal could change it (healthinsurance.org; CMS).
Open Enrollment Dates for State-Run Marketplaces
If your state runs its own marketplace, its dates can differ. 13 of them match HealthCare.gov’s November 1 to January 15 window. 8 give you more time, including California, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island, which run to January 31. Idaho closes early, in December.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| HealthCare.gov (29 states) | days76 |
| Massachusetts | days93 |
| California | days92 |
| District of Columbia | days92 |
| New Jersey | days92 |
| New York | days92 |
| Rhode Island | days92 |
| Virginia | days90 |
| Connecticut | days85 |
| Idaho | days62 |
Days from the first to the last day of open enrollment for 2027 coverage, both counted. 13 other state marketplaces match HealthCare.gov's 76 days. Source: healthinsurance.org (updated August 10, 2026); HealthCare.gov.
2027 open enrollment at state-run marketplaces
State marketplaces also set their own deadline for coverage that starts January 1, and it is not always December 15. Check your marketplace’s site before mid-December.
What Obamacare Is and Who Can Buy a Plan
Obamacare is the common name for the Affordable Care Act, the 2010 law that created the health insurance marketplaces. On HealthCare.gov or your state’s marketplace you compare private plans, and tax credits lower the monthly premium for many people based on income (HealthCare.gov).
To buy a marketplace plan, you must live in the United States, be a U.S. citizen or national or a lawfully present noncitizen, and not be incarcerated. People with Medicare cannot enroll in a marketplace plan (HealthCare.gov). The tax credits have more limits, including income and whether a job offers you coverage; our guide to ACA subsidies explains how the credit is figured.
Who Qualifies for Help Paying Premiums in 2027
For 2027 coverage, premium tax credits go to households earning from 100% to 400% of the 2026 federal poverty guideline, unless Congress restores the larger credits that expired. In states that expanded Medicaid, adults with the lowest incomes usually get Medicaid instead (HHS 2026 guidelines).
Income range for 2027 premium tax credits, by household size
Above 400%, there is no credit at all, so a small raise can mean paying the full premium. That drop-off, the subsidy cliff, is covered in our ACA subsidies guide.
What Changed After the Enhanced Subsidies Expired
The larger tax credits in place since 2021 expired at the end of 2025, and fewer people signed up for 2026. Marketplace plan selections fell to 23.1 million, the sharpest one-year drop since the marketplaces opened, KFF reported (KFF).
| Period | Value |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $113 |
| 2026 | $178 |
| Change | up 58% |
More people chose cheaper plans with higher deductibles. The share picking bronze plans rose from 30% in 2025 to 40% in 2026. KFF estimates that average monthly enrollment could fall to about 17.5 million in 2026, from 22.3 million in 2025, as people stop paying premiums (KFF).
For 2027, the same rules apply unless Congress acts. The fight over extending the larger credits is tracked on our ACA subsidies page.
How to Enroll in a Marketplace Plan
Signing up for a 2027 plan, step by step
- Before November 1 Gather income and household details Estimate your 2027 household income, and have Social Security numbers and any job-based coverage offers ready.
- From Nov. 1 Log in or create an account Use HealthCare.gov, or your state marketplace if your state runs one.
- Same session Update your application Enter your expected income. The marketplace figures your tax credit from it.
- Same session Compare plans on total cost Look at the premium, the deductible and the out-of-pocket maximum, and check that your doctors and drugs are covered.
- By Dec. 15 Pick a plan for January 1 coverage After that date, HealthCare.gov coverage starts later.
- Before coverage starts Pay the first premium Coverage does not start until the insurer receives your first payment.
Sources: HealthCare.gov; CMS.
Free help is available from trained assisters and navigators. Find one through HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace.
Getting Coverage Outside Open Enrollment
Missing the deadline does not always mean waiting a year. A qualifying life event opens a Special Enrollment Period, usually for 60 days after the event. Events include moving, losing job-based or other coverage, getting married and having or adopting a baby. If you lost Medicaid or CHIP, you may have 90 days (HealthCare.gov).
Medicaid and CHIP have no open enrollment. You can apply for either any time of year (HealthCare.gov). See our guides to Medicaid and, for Texas, Texas Medicaid.
What to Do in Your Situation
Open enrollment, by situation
I have a marketplace plan and like it
- Log in during open enrollment and update your 2027 income.
- Compare your plan with others; premiums and networks change every year.
- Confirm your plan and pay by the January 1 deadline.
An out-of-date income estimate can mean repaying part of your tax credit at tax time.
My premium jumped in 2026
- Check whether a different metal level or insurer costs less for your income.
- Compare total yearly cost, not only the premium; bronze plans carry higher deductibles.
- Ask a navigator to check your tax credit estimate.
The average premium people paid after credits rose 58% in 2026.
My income is low
- Apply through the marketplace; it screens for Medicaid and CHIP too.
- If your state did not expand Medicaid, check whether you earn at least 100% of the poverty guideline, the floor for tax credits.
In states that did not expand Medicaid, some adults earn too little for tax credits and too much for Medicaid.
I missed the deadline
- Check whether you had a qualifying event in the last 60 days.
- Apply for Medicaid or CHIP if you may qualify; there is no deadline.
- Otherwise, mark next fall’s open enrollment on your calendar.
Common Questions About Open Enrollment
When is open enrollment for health insurance in 2026?
On HealthCare.gov, open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1. States with their own marketplaces set their own dates, and 5 of them run to January 31.
Is it too late to get health insurance after open enrollment ends?
Not always. A move, a new baby, marriage or losing other coverage can open a Special Enrollment Period, usually for 60 days after the event, or 90 days after losing Medicaid or CHIP. You can apply for Medicaid and CHIP any time of year.
What is Obamacare?
Obamacare is the common name for the Affordable Care Act, the 2010 law that created the health insurance marketplaces. You buy a plan on HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace, and tax credits based on income lower the monthly premium for many people.
What is the highest income to qualify for Obamacare subsidies in 2027?
Premium tax credits for 2027 coverage go to households up to 400% of the 2026 poverty guideline: $63,840 for one person and $132,000 for a family of four, unless Congress extends the larger credits that expired at the end of 2025. Anyone can buy a marketplace plan at full price.
Do I have to re-enroll every year?
You should return to the marketplace every year even if you are happy with your plan. Prices, plans and tax credits change each year, and updating your income keeps your tax credit from being too large or too small.
What You Can Do
- Put three dates on your calendar. November 1, 2026, December 15, 2026 and January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov, or your state marketplace’s dates from the table above.
- Update your income before you pick a plan. Your tax credit depends on it.
- Tell a friend or family member who buys their own insurance. Many people who dropped coverage in 2026 may qualify for help, and one conversation can prompt a check.
- Ask your senators where they stand on the tax credits. The House passed a three-year extension on January 8, 2026, and the Senate has not voted; our ACA subsidies page tracks it.