ACA open enrollment 2027 runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov. If you buy your own health insurance, this is the one window each year when you can switch plans without a qualifying life event. The choices you make in the next few weeks set your health costs for all of next year.
This year matters more than usual. The extra subsidies that kept many premiums low from 2021 through 2025 expired at the end of 2025, and Congress has not extended them. For 2027, the rules look a lot like the original Affordable Care Act again.
ACA Open Enrollment 2027 Dates and Deadlines
Here are the ACA open enrollment 2027 dates that matter on HealthCare.gov:
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open enrollment opens for 2027 plans |
| December 15, 2026 | Last day to pick a plan for coverage starting January 1 |
| January 15, 2027 | Open enrollment ends; coverage starts February 1 |
A 2025 federal rule tried to shorten the window so it would end by December 31. A federal court blocked that provision in 2026, so the January 15 deadline still stands for HealthCare.gov states.
Some state-run marketplaces set their own deadlines, and several run later into January. If your state has its own exchange, such as Covered California or NY State of Health, check its site directly.
If you had a Marketplace plan in 2026 and do nothing, you will likely be auto-renewed. That sounds convenient, but your premium, your subsidy, and your plan’s doctor network can all change. Treat auto-renewal as a backup, not a strategy.
How ACA Open Enrollment 2027 Subsidies Work Now
Your subsidy, called the premium tax credit, is based on your expected 2027 household income compared with the federal poverty level (FPL). For 2027 coverage, the Marketplace uses the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines: $15,960 for a single person and $21,640 for a household of two.
The IRS sets the maximum share of income you are expected to pay for the benchmark silver plan. For 2027, that share ranges from 2.15% at the low end to 10.22% for incomes between 300% and 400% of FPL.
The big change is that the 400% “subsidy cliff” is back. For a single person, 400% of FPL is $63,840. Go even slightly over that, and you generally get no premium tax credit at all.
| Household income (% of FPL) | Single-person income (approx.) | Max share of income for benchmark silver |
|---|---|---|
| Under 133% | Under $21,227 | 2.15% |
| 133% to 150% | $21,227 to $23,940 | 3.23% to 4.30% |
| 150% to 200% | $23,940 to $31,920 | 4.30% to 6.78% |
| 200% to 250% | $31,920 to $39,900 | 6.78% to 8.66% |
| 250% to 300% | $39,900 to $47,880 | 8.66% to 10.22% |
| 300% to 400% | $47,880 to $63,840 | 10.22% |
| Over 400% | Over $63,840 | No credit |
If your income is under 138% of FPL and you live in a state that expanded Medicaid, you will usually be directed to Medicaid instead of a subsidized plan.
A Real-Number Example: Same Plan, Two Incomes
Here is how ACA open enrollment 2027 pricing can play out. Meet Jordan, 28, a single freelance designer.
Assume the benchmark silver plan in Jordan’s area costs $600 a month. Your real price depends on your age, ZIP code, and tobacco use.
Scenario A: $48,000 expected income. That is about 301% of FPL, so Jordan’s expected contribution is 10.22% of income. $48,000 × 10.22% = $4,906 a year, or about $409 a month. The tax credit covers the gap: $600 − $409 = $191 a month, roughly $2,290 a year.
Scenario B: $65,000 expected income. That is about 407% of FPL, just over the cliff. Jordan gets no credit and pays the full $600 a month, or $7,200 a year.
So a $17,000 raise quietly costs Jordan about $2,290 in lost subsidy. If you are self-employed and close to the line, contributing to a traditional IRA or SEP-IRA lowers the modified adjusted gross income the Marketplace uses. That can pull you back under 400%.
One more warning: the credit is based on your estimate. If you underestimate your income, you may have to pay back some or all of the extra credit when you file your 2027 taxes.
Bronze vs. Silver: Who Each Plan Is For
During ACA open enrollment 2027, most people end up choosing between bronze and silver. The right pick depends less on the monthly premium and more on how you actually use care.
Who a bronze plan is for:
- You are healthy, rarely see a doctor, and take few prescriptions
- You have an emergency fund that could cover a high deductible
- You want to save in an HSA. Since 2026, bronze and catastrophic Marketplace plans count as HSA-eligible. See our guide to HSA contribution limits for 2027 for how much you can put away.
Who should skip bronze:
- Your income is under 250% of FPL. You likely qualify for cost-sharing reductions, which only apply to silver plans.
- You have a chronic condition, a planned surgery, or a baby on the way
- A surprise bill of several thousand dollars would go straight on a credit card
Cost-sharing reductions can make a huge difference. In 2027, the standard out-of-pocket maximum for a Marketplace plan is $12,000 for an individual and $24,000 for a family. With a cost-sharing reduction silver plan, that cap drops to $4,000 for an individual between 100% and 200% of FPL.
Your ACA Open Enrollment 2027 Checklist
Before you click “enroll,” run through these five steps:
- Update your 2027 income estimate. Use realistic numbers, including side gigs and expected raises.
- Check your doctors. Search each plan’s provider directory, not just the insurer’s name.
- Check your prescriptions. Look up each drug in the plan’s formulary and note its tier.
- Estimate your total yearly cost. Add 12 months of premiums to the out-of-pocket costs you realistically expect.
- Enroll by December 15 if you want coverage on January 1.
Comparing total yearly cost instead of premium alone is the step most people skip. A plan that is $60 cheaper each month can cost you more if you need regular care.
FAQ
When is the deadline for ACA open enrollment 2027?
On HealthCare.gov, ACA open enrollment 2027 ends on January 15, 2027. To have coverage start on January 1, you need to pick a plan by December 15, 2026. State-run exchanges may have different dates.
Can I get a subsidy if I earn more than 400% of the poverty level?
Not under current law. Now that the enhanced subsidies have expired, households above 400% of FPL generally do not qualify for the premium tax credit in 2027. Lowering your MAGI with pre-tax retirement contributions may help if you are close to the line.
What happens if my income changes during 2027?
Report the change on your Marketplace account as soon as possible. Your subsidy will be adjusted for the rest of the year, which helps you avoid a large repayment at tax time.
This article is for general information only and is not tax, legal, or insurance advice. Figures reflect 2027 guidance from HealthCare.gov, CMS, and the IRS as of October 2026. Check HealthCare.gov or your state exchange for prices and rules that apply to you.