Open Enrollment is the yearly window when anyone can enroll in or change an ACA health plan. Miss it, and your options narrow — so here are the dates to know and how to stay covered year-round.
Key dates for 2027 coverage
For most states using the federal Marketplace, Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage is expected to run November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. To have your coverage start on January 1, you generally need to enroll by December 15. Enroll between December 16 and January 15, and coverage typically begins February 1.
Note: Some states run their own marketplaces with slightly different deadlines. Dates can also shift year to year — I'll confirm the exact deadline for your state so you don't miss it.
What if you miss Open Enrollment?
You're not necessarily out of luck. A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) lets you enroll outside the normal window if you've had a qualifying life event, such as:
- Losing existing coverage (job loss, aging off a parent's plan, etc.)
- Getting married or divorced
- Having a baby or adopting
- Moving to a new area or state
- Certain income changes
Most SEPs give you 60 days from the event to enroll, so act quickly if one applies to you.
Other year-round options
Beyond the Marketplace, some private plans and short-term options can be purchased any time of year. They work differently from ACA plans and aren't right for everyone, but they're worth understanding if you're caught between enrollment windows. I can walk you through the trade-offs.
Don't wait until the deadline
The safest move is to review your options early — before the December 15 cutoff — so you have time to compare plans and get coverage that starts January 1. Reach out anytime and I'll help you plan ahead.
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