Resources · Coverage Basics
Open Enrollment 2027 FAQ: renewals, plan changes and deadlines
Open Enrollment for 2027 Marketplace coverage starts November 1, 2026. The dates are the easy part. The questions people get stuck on are what happens to the plan they already have, what changes if they do nothing, and when the new coverage actually starts. Every answer below comes from HealthCare.gov, checked on October 18, 2026. States that run their own exchange can set different dates and rules; every state's window is in Open Enrollment 2027 dates by state.
The 2027 dates in one minute
| Date | What happens on HealthCare.gov |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open Enrollment starts. First day to 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 |
| January 1, 2027 | Coverage starts for people who enrolled by December 15 and paid their first premium |
| January 15, 2027 | Open Enrollment ends |
| February 1, 2027 | Coverage starts for people who enrolled December 16 to January 15 and paid their first premium |
Source: HealthCare.gov, dates and deadlines. What changed for 2027, including the out-of-pocket limits, is in when is Open Enrollment for 2027.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I don't choose a plan by December 15?
If you have Marketplace coverage in December and take no action to choose a plan or stop your coverage by December 15, the Marketplace automatically re-enrolls you. It may be the same plan you have now or a different plan from the same insurance company. If your company is not offering plans for next year, you are re-enrolled with a different company. The plan does not start until you pay your first monthly premium (HealthCare.gov).
Will I always be re-enrolled automatically?
No. HealthCare.gov says that in some cases you won't be, and that you should enroll in a plan during Open Enrollment to keep Marketplace coverage for next year. Even if you are re-enrolled, update your application so you get the right amount of savings (HealthCare.gov).
Can I change plans after I was re-enrolled?
Yes. Enroll in a different plan by December 15 and it starts January 1. If your automatic re-enrollment coverage already started, you can still change plans until January 15, and the new plan starts February 1 (HealthCare.gov).
What letters should I get before Open Enrollment?
By November 1 you should get two letters, one from your current insurance company and one from the Marketplace. Together they tell you whether your plan is available next year, which plan you will be re-enrolled in if you do not act by December 15, any changes in your coverage and savings, and whether the Marketplace needs documents from you. No letter? Contact your plan for the insurer's letter and the Marketplace Call Center for the Marketplace one (HealthCare.gov).
Do I need to update my income for 2027?
Yes. Marketplace savings are based on the income you expect for the year you are applying for, not on past years. If you do not update it, you could get less savings than you qualify for, or more, and then pay back the difference when you file your federal taxes (HealthCare.gov).
Why is my premium tax credit different this year?
The credit depends on your estimated household income for the coverage year, your household size and the plans available to you. Plan prices change, so the credit can change even if your income did not. HealthCare.gov also notes that the additional savings available because of the COVID pandemic ended on December 31, 2025 (HealthCare.gov).
My insurance company isn't offering my plan next year. What now?
You will be matched with an alternate plan. During Open Enrollment, update your Marketplace application and review all the plans available to you. When asked if you are losing coverage, say that you are losing your health coverage on December 31 (HealthCare.gov).
When does my current plan end?
Coverage for this year ends December 31, no matter when you enrolled (HealthCare.gov).
How do I pay my first premium?
You pay it to the insurance company, not to the Marketplace. Insurance companies handle payments differently, so follow your company's instructions; you may be able to pay online. Coverage does not start until the first premium is paid (HealthCare.gov).
Can I switch to a plan outside the Marketplace?
Yes. But the only way to get the premium tax credit and other savings is to buy your plan through the Marketplace. HealthCare.gov suggests comparing plans outside the Marketplace with Marketplace plans too (HealthCare.gov).
Can I cancel my Marketplace plan?
You can end it any time, for example when you get other coverage. If you end it and have no other coverage, you may have to wait for the next Open Enrollment to enroll again, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (HealthCare.gov).
What if I miss January 15?
After January 15 you can enroll in or change a Marketplace plan only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, usually from a life event such as losing other coverage, moving, getting married or having a baby. Medicaid and CHIP take applications any time (HealthCare.gov). The full list of events and the 60-day clock are in missed Open Enrollment? Special Enrollment Periods explained.
I'm turning 65 in 2027. Can I keep a Marketplace plan until Medicare starts?
Yes. A Marketplace plan can cover you before your Medicare begins, but it does not end automatically when Medicare starts. Update your Marketplace application to end it; you can report the Medicare start date up to 3 months ahead (HealthCare.gov, Medicare and the Marketplace).
Can a licensed agent help me enroll?
Yes. HealthCare.gov lists two kinds of certified help: assisters, who are required to give fair, impartial and accurate information, and agents and brokers, who are licensed to sell Marketplace plans in their state and are generally paid by the insurance companies whose plans they represent. You still get any premium tax credit you qualify for, as long as the agent enrolls you through the Marketplace (HealthCare.gov, find local help). A licensed America First Healthcare advisor compares private plans, Marketplace plans and gap coverage with you on a free 15-minute call.
Sources
All checked on October 18, 2026.