ACA Open Enrollment Is Changing for 2027

July 7, 2026

Here's What You Need to Know


If you have a health plan through the ACA Marketplace, your renewal or enrollment window is getting shorter for the 2027 plan year. The sign-up period now ends in December, and the old February start date is going away. Read on for what changed and why it matters for you.



The Enrollment Window is Shorter


For the last few years, most people had until January 15 to enroll or renew in a Marketplace plan. Starting in 2026, open enrollment will end one month earlier, on
December 15 in many states. In most states, sign-ups still open on November 1, 2026.


Two states start even earlier. In Idaho, open enrollment begins on October 15, and in Georgia it begins on October 19.



Enrollment Periods at a Glance


Here's the national schedule for states that use HealthCare.gov, which covers most of the country:


Enrollment Start: November 1, 2026
Enrollment End
: December 15, 2026
Coverage starts
: January 1, 2027



Known Enrollment Timeframes for Some State-Run Exchanges


Some states run their own exchanges and set their own deadlines. State-run exchanges can extend enrollment later than December 15, but not past December 31. Here are the 2026 ranges announced so far (for 2027 coverage). Dates can still change, so confirm with your state's marketplace before you enroll.


States starting early:


Idaho: Oct 15 – Dec 15, 2026

Georgia: Oct 19 – Dec 15, 2026


Extended deadlines:


Nov 1 – Dec 23, 2026: Massachusetts

Nov 1 – Dec 31, 2026: CA, CO, CT, KY, MD, MN, NV, NM, OR, RI, VA, WA


If your state is not listed here, you likely follow the national schedule above, with a November 1 to December 15 window.



No More February 1 Start Date


In past years, if you signed up after mid-December, your coverage started February 1. That option is going away. All plans selected during open enrollment will take effect on January 1.



What You Can Do Now


Mark your calendar for November 1, 2026. Know your state's exact deadline. And if you have questions about your plan or your options, we are here to help. Acting early gives you time to compare and helps you avoid a coverage gap.

A masked nurse in a white coat helps a man administer a medical check in his home
August 19, 2026
A Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan (C-SNP) is a Medicare Advantage plan built around conditions like diabetes or heart failure. See how it works.
Two people's hands holding each other in a supportive gesture over a table
August 12, 2026
Learn how hybrid life insurance combines a death benefit with long-term care coverage, so premiums generally aren't wasted if care is never needed.
A couple talks to an insurance agent in front of a laptop in a bright office
August 5, 2026
Buying insurance online is fast, but a licensed agent can help you compare carriers, understand the fine print, and advocate for you at claim time.
Child sitting on grass while an adult helps adjust a roller skate in a sunny park
July 29, 2026
Where you go for care can affect your bill by thousands. A practical guide to choosing between the ER, urgent care, telehealth, and your primary care doctor.
Two people sit on a dock beside a white sailboat, sharing drinks by the water.
July 22, 2026
Your permanent life insurance policy can build cash value, provide tax-friendly income, and offer easy access to funds while you're still alive. Here's how.
Smart home devices: robot vacuum, smart speaker, buttons, sensor, and wall light in a living room.
July 15, 2026
See how smart lighting, robot vacuums, stove shut-offs, medication reminders, and fall monitors can help seniors at home, plus what Medicare and Medigap do and do not cover.
black and white photograph depicts a mature man with a phone pressed to his ear
By KJ Martin January 20, 2026
Medicare fraud and scams can put your benefits and identity at risk. Learn common Medicare scam tactics, red flags, prevention tips, and how to report suspected fraud.
A doctor in a white coat measures a patient's blood pressure at a clinic.
By KJ Martin December 17, 2025
Cancer treatment is costly — even with insurance. Learn how cancer insurance offers cash benefits to cover out-of-pocket costs and protect your savings.
gray hair old man and a neatly trimmed gray beard wearing thin, gold glasses that rest on his nose
By KJ Martin December 10, 2025
It’s rarely too late for life insurance. Learn how coverage in your later years can protect loved ones, manage debt, and create a lasting legacy.
Two women in a positive atmosphere. One is holding a document in her gloved hands
By KJ Martin December 4, 2025
Don’t let your HSA dollars go unused. Learn what expenses qualify, how to maximize your tax-free savings, and why now is the best time to use your Health Savings Account funds.
Show More