THE EVERYDAY EDITION
Updated October 31, 2026. US information; schedules and availability may change.HealthCare.gov’s 2027 open enrollment begins Sunday, November 1, 2026.
TAP TO EXPLORE →A SMARTER EVERYDAY
01Have 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.
A SMARTER EVERYDAY
02Look 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.
A SMARTER EVERYDAY
03Update 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.
A SMARTER EVERYDAY
04November 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.
THE TAKEAWAY
05Go 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.