Open Enrollment 2027: Key Dates and Deadlines
By Estagacy Insurance Group ·
What Open Enrollment is and why it matters
Open Enrollment is the yearly window when anyone can sign up for a Marketplace health plan, switch to a different plan, or drop coverage. You do not need a special reason during this period. If you miss it, you generally have to wait until the next year unless something in your life changes and opens a Special Enrollment Period.
It is also the best time to review the plan you already have. Plans, networks and prices can change from one year to the next, and financial help based on your income is recalculated with your new estimate. Letting a plan renew automatically without looking can mean paying more than you need to, or losing a doctor you like.
Key dates in states that use HealthCare.gov
Most of the states we serve, including Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, North Carolina and South Carolina, use the federal Marketplace at HealthCare.gov. In those states, the calendar is the same:
- Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs November 1 to December 15, 2026.
- Enroll by December 15, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1, 2027.
- After December 15, 2026, you need a Special Enrollment Period, such as moving, losing coverage, getting married or having a baby.
- Medicaid and CHIP can be applied for any time of year.
Why December 15 is the date to remember
December 15, 2026 is the last day of Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage in states that use HealthCare.gov. Enrolling by that date gives coverage starting January 1, 2027. If you miss the deadline, you generally need a Special Enrollment Period to enroll.
If you want your plan in place on New Year's Day, finish your enrollment by December 15. The weeks before that date get busy, so starting in November gives you time to compare plans, ask questions and fix any paperwork issues without rushing.
Colorado and New York have their own marketplaces
Colorado residents do not use HealthCare.gov. They enroll through Connect for Health Colorado, the state marketplace, which sets its own deadlines. Check your state's Open Enrollment dates or call (407) 974-5101 and we will confirm them.
New York residents enroll through NY State of Health, the state marketplace, which sets its own deadlines. Check your state's Open Enrollment dates or call (407) 974-5101 and we will confirm them. If you live in either state, be careful with articles written for HealthCare.gov states, because the dates may not apply to you.
What happens after December 15
Once Open Enrollment closes, you can only sign up or change plans if you have a qualifying life event. Common ones include moving to a new area, losing other coverage such as a job-based plan, getting married, and having or adopting a baby. These events usually give you a limited time to act, so it is smart to reach out as soon as something changes.
Medicaid and CHIP work differently. You can apply for either program at any time of year. If your income is lower, we check whether you or your children may qualify for one of these programs instead of a Marketplace plan.
Checklist: what to gather before you enroll
Having a few things ready makes the application much faster. Before your appointment, try to collect:
- An estimate of your household income for 2027, from pay stubs, tax returns, 1099s or business records.
- The names and birth dates of everyone in your household who will be on your tax return.
- Social Security numbers for applicants, or immigration documents for applicants who are lawfully present.
- Information about your current plan, including any coverage offered through a job.
- A list of your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions, so we can check networks and drug coverage.
How we help during Open Enrollment
Estagacy Insurance Group is a licensed agency, and our help is free. We compare plans side by side, check whether your doctors and hospitals are in-network, and walk you through the application by phone or video. If you live near Orlando, you can also visit our office.
If you are not sure whether your plan should renew, whether your income estimate is right, or which deadline applies in your state, we will sort it out with you. You can start with our short eligibility check or book a time that fits your schedule.
Frequently asked questions
When is Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage?
In states that use HealthCare.gov, Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs November 1 to December 15, 2026. Enrolling by December 15 gives coverage starting January 1, 2027. Colorado (Connect for Health Colorado) and New York (NY State of Health) set their own deadlines. Check your state's Open Enrollment dates or call (407) 974-5101 and we will confirm them.
What if I miss December 15?
In HealthCare.gov states, Open Enrollment ends December 15, 2026. After that, you generally need a Special Enrollment Period to enroll. Enrolling by December 15 gives coverage starting January 1, 2027.
Can I apply for Medicaid outside Open Enrollment?
Yes. Medicaid and CHIP accept applications any time of year.
Helpful pages
Talk with a licensed agent
Free help by phone or video. We compare plans and check your doctors for you.
Free eligibility check
Takes about 30 seconds · Free · No obligation
This article is general information, not tax or legal advice.