Open Enrollment for 2027 health insurance through the HealthCare.gov Marketplace starts November 1, 2026, and runs through January 15, 2027.
November 1 is the first day you can enroll in, renew, or change a Marketplace plan for the coming year. To have coverage start on January 1, you need to enroll or change plans by December 15 and pay your first premium. If you sign up between December 16 and January 15, coverage starts February 1, again once the first premium is paid. After January 15, you can enroll or switch plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, which is tied to life events such as moving, losing other coverage, getting married, or having a baby. Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) work differently: you can apply for them at any time of year. HealthCare.gov also suggests getting ready before November 1 by previewing plans and prices and gathering the information you need to apply.
Source: HealthCare.gov, When can you get health insurance?
Image: Littmann stethoscope, by Hanabishi, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.