For most Americans who buy their own coverage, the best time to buy health insurance is right now. Open enrollment for 2027 plans runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 in most states. Outside that window, you generally need a qualifying life event to sign up. Here are the dates that matter and how to make the most of them.
The key dates for 2027 coverage
| If you enroll | Your coverage starts |
|---|---|
| November 1 to December 15, 2026 | January 1, 2027 |
| December 16, 2026 to January 15, 2027 | February 1, 2027 |
| After January 15, 2027 | Only with a Special Enrollment Period |
Coverage begins once you pay your first premium, so pay it promptly after you choose a plan.
Some states give you more time
States that run their own marketplace can set their own deadlines. For 2027 coverage:
- California, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Washington, D.C.: open until January 31, 2027
- Virginia: open until January 29, 2027
- Massachusetts: October 23, 2026 to January 23, 2027
- Idaho: October 15 to December 15, 2026, an earlier deadline
Check your state's marketplace or HealthCare.gov to confirm your deadline.
Why you shouldn't wait until the last minute
- A January 1 start date. Enrolling by December 15 means no gap in coverage at the start of the year.
- Prices have changed. The extra premium subsidies many people relied on expired at the end of 2025. If your plan simply renews, you could pay more than you need to.
- Time to compare. Checking networks, drug lists and deductibles takes longer than most people expect.
Other enrollment windows to know
- Job-based coverage: Most employers hold their own open enrollment each fall. Ask your HR team for the dates.
- Medicare: Medicare's annual open enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7.
- Medicaid and CHIP: You can apply at any time of year if you qualify.
How to make the most of open enrollment
- Update your income estimate. Premium tax credits are based on it. For 2027, households above 400% of the federal poverty level do not qualify.
- Compare at least three plans on total yearly cost: premium, deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.
- Check your doctors and prescriptions against each plan's network and drug list.
- Enroll by December 15 if you want coverage from January 1.
The bottom line
Open enrollment is the one time each year when anyone can buy or switch a marketplace plan. Mark December 15 on your calendar, compare your options, and lock in your coverage for 2027.
This article is for general information only and is not legal, financial or insurance advice. Dates and plan options vary by state.