The dates for 2027 coverage
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open Enrollment starts on HealthCare.gov |
| December 15, 2026 | Last day to enroll for coverage starting January 1 |
| January 15, 2027 | Open Enrollment ends. Plans picked December 16 to January 15 start February 1 |
About 20 states run their own marketplaces and set their own deadlines, and some stay open longer. If your state has its own exchange, use its dates.
Metal tiers, without the jargon
Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum describe how you and the plan split costs, not the quality of care. Bronze has the lowest premium and the highest costs when you use care. Platinum is the reverse. Silver matters for one more reason: if your income qualifies for cost-sharing reductions, you only get them on a Silver plan.
Tax credits change the real price
Premium tax credits are based on your expected household income for the coverage year, and they can lower your monthly premium substantially. The rules around these credits have shifted recently, so don’t rely on what you paid last year. Update your application with your best income estimate and look at the after-credit price before you choose.
Renewing automatically is the easy mistake. Premiums, networks and your credit amount can all change year to year. Five minutes of comparing in November can save real money in March.
Enrolling outside Open Enrollment
After January 15, you generally need a qualifying life event to enroll: losing other coverage, moving, getting married, having or adopting a child, and similar changes. You typically have a limited window after the event, often 60 days. Medicaid and CHIP accept applications year round.
This guide is general information, not personal advice. Plan availability, costs and rules vary by state and carrier.
