Late fall is when most Americans choose health coverage for the next year. Three different enrollment periods overlap: the Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicare and job-based plans. Here are the official dates for 2027 coverage and what to check before each deadline. This page summarizes official sources; it is not advice about which plan to choose.
Health Insurance Marketplace (HealthCare.gov)
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open Enrollment starts: you can enroll in, renew or change a plan for 2027. |
| December 15, 2026 | Last day to enroll or change plans for coverage that starts January 1, 2027. |
| January 1, 2027 | Coverage starts if you enrolled by December 15 and paid your first premium. |
| January 15, 2027 | Open Enrollment ends. After this, you can enroll or change plans only with a Special Enrollment Period. |
| February 1, 2027 | Coverage starts if you enrolled between December 16 and January 15. |
Source: HealthCare.gov dates and deadlines. Some states run their own Marketplace with their own website and sometimes different dates; find yours on HealthCare.gov's state list.
If you already have a Marketplace plan, you may be renewed automatically, but prices, the plans available and your premium tax credit can change each year. Update your income on your application and compare plans before December 15. Our ACA subsidy calculator estimates the 2027 premium tax credit.
Medicare
| Period | What you can do |
|---|---|
| October 15 to December 7, 2026 (Open Enrollment) | Join, drop or switch a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare drug plan, or switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Changes start January 1, 2027. |
| January 1 to March 31, 2027 (Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment) | Only if you are already in a Medicare Advantage plan: switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare. |
Source: Medicare.gov: joining a plan. Read your plan's Annual Notice of Change, then compare 2027 plans in the Medicare Plan Finder. Free, unbiased help is available from your state's SHIP counselors. Our Medicare costs page lists the official premiums and deductibles.
Health insurance through your job
Each employer sets its own open enrollment dates, often in the fall for plans that start January 1. Watch for the email or packet from your employer: outside that window you can usually change your choices only after certain life events, such as marriage, a birth or losing other coverage. During enrollment you also choose flexible spending account and HSA amounts for 2027; see the 2027 limits.
What to compare before you choose
- The monthly premium and the deductible, copays and out-of-pocket maximum.
- Whether your doctors, hospitals and pharmacies are in the plan's network.
- Whether your prescriptions are covered and what they cost.
- If you get help paying: your expected 2027 income, because it sets the premium tax credit.
Be careful with calls and messages that offer plans: give personal information only through HealthCare.gov, your state's Marketplace, Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE or a licensed helper you contacted yourself.
Frequently asked questions
When is open enrollment for 2027 health insurance?
On HealthCare.gov, from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1, 2027.
What happens if I miss the January 15 deadline?
You can enroll or change Marketplace plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, for example after losing other coverage, moving or having a baby.
When is Medicare open enrollment?
October 15 to December 7, 2026. Changes take effect January 1, 2027.
Do state Marketplaces have the same dates?
Not always. States that run their own Marketplace can set different dates; check your state's site from HealthCare.gov's list.
When is my employer's open enrollment?
Your employer sets it. Check with your HR or benefits office; it is often a few weeks in the fall.