Updated October 31, 2026. US information; schedules and availability may change.
HealthCare.gov’s 2027 open enrollment begins Sunday, November 1, 2026. The federal Marketplace period runs through January 15, 2027. If you want coverage to start January 1, the key deadline is December 15. Your state may run its own Marketplace or have different deadlines, so check the official site for your state.
Gather the details before comparing plans
Have an estimate of your household income, the people who need coverage, current doctors, prescriptions, and the services you expect to use. You may also need Social Security numbers or eligible immigration documents and information about any job-based coverage offer. Use the official Marketplace application for sensitive details; do not send them to an article author.
Compare total cost, not only the premium
Look at the monthly premium, deductible, copays, coinsurance, and annual out-of-pocket maximum. A cheaper premium may come with higher costs when you actually get care. Check the plan’s provider network and drug list directly; a doctor’s office can sometimes confirm whether it accepts a specific plan, not just the insurance company name.
Returning customer? Review anyway
Update income and household information even if you liked last year’s plan. Plan prices, networks, and prescriptions can change. HealthCare.gov warns that an inaccurate savings estimate can cause a tax-time repayment. Do not assume last year’s tax credit or plan details will automatically fit 2027.
Dates to put on your calendar
November 1, 2026: federal open enrollment starts. December 15, 2026: enroll by this date for January 1 coverage through HealthCare.gov. January 15, 2027: federal open enrollment ends, with February 1 coverage for that deadline. Special enrollment rules may apply after the window for qualifying life events.
Where to start safely
Go directly to HealthCare.gov or your state’s official Marketplace, rather than entering private information into an ad or unfamiliar enrollment form. If you have Medicare, employer coverage, or Medicaid, your enrollment rules may differ from this Marketplace guide.
Sources and updates
Check the original source for any changes: official source and additional official source.
