2027 ACA Open Enrollment Dates: What You Need to Know

Open enrollment for 2027 individual and family health coverage begins November 1, 2026. Missing your state’s deadline means waiting a full year to enroll unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period — so it’s worth putting the date on your calendar now.

Standard Open Enrollment Window

For most states using the federal marketplace (HealthCare.gov), open enrollment runs:

November 1, 2026 – January 15, 2027

To have coverage start January 1, 2027, you’ll generally need to enroll by mid-December — check your exact cutoff once you’re in the enrollment portal, since it can shift slightly by state.

States With Different Deadlines

A handful of states run their own exchanges on their own schedule:

• Connecticut & Massachusetts: starts October 23, 2026

• Idaho: October 15 – December 15, 2026 (the shortest window in the country)

• DC, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania: extended through January 31, 2027

• Rhode Island: through December 31, 2026

• Virginia: through January 29, 2027

If you’re enrolling through your state’s own exchange rather than HealthCare.gov, always confirm your specific deadline directly on that state’s marketplace site — state exchanges can adjust their calendars year to year.

What’s Different This Year

2026 has been an unusually consequential year for marketplace shoppers: the enhanced premium tax credits that had been reducing premiums since 2021 expired at the end of 2025 and have not been extended by Congress. That means most people renewing or shopping for a 2027 plan will see meaningfully higher sticker prices than in prior years.

How to Make Sure You Don’t Miss the Deadline

• Mark November 1, 2026 on your calendar now — plans and pricing become visible on day one.

• If your income, family size, or job has changed this year, your subsidy eligibility may have changed too — it’s worth a fresh look rather than auto-renewing.

• Book a free consultation and I’ll walk you through your state’s specific options and deadlines before the window closes.

Licensed to help individuals and small businesses in 31 states find the right coverage. This post is for general information and isn’t a guarantee of eligibility or pricing — book a consultation for guidance specific to your situation.