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- HealthCare.gov Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage starts November 1, 2026, and runs through January 15, 2027.
- Before comparing plans, update your expected 2027 income, household members, address, and other coverage details.
- Check each plan's doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, deductible, total yearly cost, and premium-tax-credit information before choosing.
When HealthCare.gov Open Enrollment 2027 starts
HealthCare.gov Open Enrollment for 2027 Marketplace coverage begins on November 1, 2026. You can use this period to enroll in a new plan, renew your current coverage, or switch plans for the coming year.
The main enrollment window ends on January 15, 2027. If you enroll or change plans by December 15, 2026, coverage can start January 1, 2027, as long as you pay the first premium. Enroll or change plans between December 16 and January 15, and coverage generally starts February 1, 2027.
HealthCare.gov is the federal Marketplace for eligible residents of states that use the federal platform. Some states operate their own Marketplace websites, so residents in those states may need to use a state-specific service instead.
If you need coverage before November 1, you may still qualify for a Special Enrollment Period after a qualifying life event, such as losing job-based insurance, moving, getting married, or having a baby. Medicaid and CHIP applications are available year-round.
Check coverage options outside Open Enrollment
View the official HealthCare.gov enrollment dates
What to update before comparing 2027 plans
Marketplace savings are based on your expected household income for the coverage year, not simply last year’s income. A better estimate can help prevent an incorrect premium tax credit and reduce surprises when you file taxes.
Review these details before enrollment opens:
- Expected 2027 income for you, your spouse, and applicable tax dependents
- Household members who need coverage and those who do not
- Your home address, especially if you moved within the same state
- Any new offer of job-based coverage
- Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare, or other public coverage in the household
- Changes in tax filing status, citizenship or immigration status, or dependent status
Marketplace household information usually follows your federal tax household. Include the people who are part of the household even if they will not apply for coverage, because their income may affect eligibility for savings.
If you already have a HealthCare.gov account, update changes through your existing application. Choose the application, select Report a Life Change, enter the new information, and complete every item on your To-Do List. A move to a different state generally requires a new application rather than an edit to the old one.
Update an existing HealthCare.gov application
Documents and information to have ready
You may not need every document, but preparing the basic information now can make the application much easier. Gather Social Security numbers or immigration document details for people applying, dates of birth, current insurance information, employer details, and an estimate of household income.
Self-employed applicants may need business records or income estimates. Employees may need recent pay information. If the Marketplace asks you to verify income, follow the document request in your account and submit the requested material by the deadline shown there.
It also helps to keep your current plan’s member ID card, premium information, provider names, and prescription list nearby. These details make it easier to check whether a replacement plan will work for your household.
How to compare Marketplace plans
Don’t choose a plan by looking only at the monthly premium. A lower premium can come with a higher deductible, larger copayments, narrower provider networks, or higher prescription costs.
When plans are available for 2027, compare each option using the following checklist:
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Monthly premium | What you pay every month after any premium tax credit |
| Deductible | What you generally pay before the plan begins paying for many covered services |
| Copayments and coinsurance | Your share when you receive care or fill prescriptions |
| Out-of-pocket maximum | The most you pay for covered services in a plan year, subject to plan rules |
| Provider network | Whether your doctors, hospitals, and clinics are in network |
| Drug coverage | Whether your prescriptions are covered and what tier or restrictions apply |
HealthCare.gov’s comparison tools allow you to search for doctors, medical facilities, and prescription drugs. Review the plan’s provider directory, covered-drug list, and Summary of Benefits and Coverage rather than relying on a general insurer search page.
Estimate your likely total yearly cost, not just your premium. If you expect regular appointments, specialist care, therapy, hospital treatment, or several prescriptions, a plan with a higher monthly premium may still fit your budget better.
Compare official Marketplace plans and prices
What to know about premium tax credits
Premium tax credits can reduce the monthly premium for eligible Marketplace enrollees. The Marketplace considers household size, expected income, tax filing information, and other coverage options when determining eligibility.
If your income changes during 2027, update your Marketplace application promptly. Waiting can leave you receiving too much or too little financial help. If you use advance premium tax credits, you generally reconcile them when you file your federal tax return using information from Form 1095-A.
Be especially careful if someone in the household receives an offer of affordable job-based coverage or becomes eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP. Those changes can affect Marketplace eligibility or the amount of savings available.
How to apply or renew when enrollment opens
Starting November 1, 2026, the fastest option for most applicants will be the official HealthCare.gov application. You can create an account or sign in, complete or update the household application, review eligibility results, compare available plans, select coverage, and follow the instructions to finish enrollment.
You can also apply by phone, get free help from a trained assister, use an approved enrollment partner, or submit a paper application. Online enrollment is usually the simplest way to compare plans and upload verification documents, but phone and in-person help are available if you need assistance.
Enrollment is not complete just because you submitted an application. Confirm that the plan selection went through, review any follow-up requests, save your confirmation, and pay the first premium directly to the insurance company by its deadline.
Apply or enroll through HealthCare.gov
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming renewal is automatic and sufficient: A plan may change its premium, network, drug list, or benefits for 2027.
- Using last year’s income without checking it: Marketplace savings use expected income for the coverage year.
- Checking only the insurer’s general provider directory: Confirm that the specific Marketplace plan includes your doctor and facility.
- Ignoring prescription restrictions: Check formulary tiers, prior authorization, quantity limits, and preferred pharmacies.
- Missing verification requests: An incomplete To-Do List can delay or affect enrollment.
- Paying an unofficial seller: Use HealthCare.gov, an approved enrollment partner, or verified free assistance.
If you are unsure whether your state uses HealthCare.gov or a state Marketplace, start with the official application page and follow the location-specific instructions. Do not enter personal or payment information through an advertisement, unsolicited text message, or website that claims to guarantee approval.
Helpful Links
- HealthCare.gov enrollment dates – Verify the 2027 Open Enrollment dates, coverage start dates, and Special Enrollment Period information.
- HealthCare.gov application and enrollment – Start an application, review enrollment methods, or find official help applying for Marketplace coverage.
- HealthCare.gov plan comparison guide – Compare plan prices, providers, prescriptions, benefits, and quality information.
- HealthCare.gov income and household information – Review how to estimate expected income and identify the household members to include.
- HealthCare.gov reporting changes – Update income, household, address, or coverage information through an existing application.
- Get or change coverage outside of Open Enrollment – Official page referenced in the article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I enroll in 2027 Marketplace coverage before November 1, 2026?
A. Regular Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage starts November 1, 2026. Before then, you may be able to enroll through a Special Enrollment Period after a qualifying life event, or apply for Medicaid or CHIP at any time if eligible.
Q. Do I need to reapply if I already have a HealthCare.gov plan?
A. You should review your renewal information and update your application even if you expect to keep the same plan. Premiums, provider networks, drug coverage, benefits, and financial assistance can change for 2027.
Q. What income should I use for Marketplace savings?
A. Use your best estimate of total household income for 2027. Include the income of the tax household members required by the Marketplace, not only the people who need health insurance.
Q. What happens if my income changes after I enroll?
A. Update your HealthCare.gov application as soon as possible. A change can affect your premium tax credit, eligibility, or plan options, and advance tax credits are reconciled on your federal tax return.
