Updated October 15, 2026
When is open enrollment for 2027? Medicare open enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2026. Open enrollment on HealthCare.gov runs November 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027, and you must enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1. Employer plans set their own dates, usually in the fall.
Every year, you get a limited window to enroll in or change your health insurance. Miss it, and you may have to wait another year unless you have a qualifying life event. Whether you’re covered through Medicare, an employer, or the Health Insurance Marketplace, here’s what to know for 2027 coverage.
Key Takeaways
- Open enrollment is your yearly chance to enroll in, switch, or drop a health plan.
- For 2027 coverage: Medicare runs Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2026. HealthCare.gov runs Nov. 1, 2026, to Jan. 15, 2027.
- Enhanced Marketplace subsidies expired at the end of 2025, so many people will pay more. Compare plans instead of auto-renewing.
- Plans change every year. Review your network, drug list, and total costs before you decide.
- Outside open enrollment, you need a Special Enrollment Period to make changes. Medicaid and CHIP accept applications year-round.
What Is Open Enrollment?
Open enrollment is the annual period when you can sign up for health insurance or change your existing plan. Depending on your coverage, you can:
- Enroll in a plan for the first time
- Switch plans, insurers, or plan levels
- Add or remove dependents
- Drop coverage
Outside this window, you generally can’t make changes unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, which is triggered by events like marriage, losing other coverage, or having a baby.
2027 Open Enrollment Dates
| Coverage type | Enrollment window | When coverage starts |
| Medicare (Advantage and Part D) | Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2026 | Jan. 1, 2027 |
| Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment | Jan. 1 to Mar. 31, 2027 (current Medicare Advantage members only) | First day of the month after you switch |
| HealthCare.gov Marketplace | Nov. 1, 2026, to Jan. 15, 2027 | Jan. 1 if you enroll by Dec. 15; Feb. 1 if you enroll Dec. 16 to Jan. 15 |
| State-run marketplaces | Usually start Nov. 1; end dates vary by state | Check your state’s exchange |
| Employer plans | Set by your employer, usually October to December | Usually Jan. 1 |
| Medicaid and CHIP | Year-round | Varies by state |
Sources: HealthCare.gov and Medicare.gov. The January 15 HealthCare.gov deadline follows a June 2026 court ruling that is under appeal, so treat December 15 as your safest deadline.
What’s Changing for 2027
Marketplace (HealthCare.gov) plans
- Smaller subsidies for many people. The enhanced premium tax credits that lowered Marketplace premiums from 2021 through 2025 expired at the end of 2025 (KFF). If your premium went up in 2026, compare plans again this year.
- Higher out-of-pocket limits. The most you can pay for covered in-network care in 2027 is $12,000 for an individual and $24,000 for a family, up from $10,600 and $21,200 in 2026 (HealthCare.gov).
Medicare
- Higher Part D cap. The annual out-of-pocket limit for covered prescriptions rises to $2,400 in 2027, from $2,100 in 2026. The maximum Part D deductible rises to $700 (Kiplinger).
- Lower prices on negotiated drugs. Medicare’s negotiated prices for 15 more drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, take effect in 2027.
- New Part B premium. Medicare typically announces the 2027 Part B premium and deductibles in late October or early November.
Read your plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), which Medicare plans mail by September 30. It lists next year’s changes to costs, networks, and covered drugs.
What You Can Do During Medicare Open Enrollment
- Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or back
- Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Join, switch, or drop a Part D prescription drug plan
Medicare open enrollment isn’t for signing up for Parts A and B for the first time. If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period, you can use the General Enrollment Period (Jan. 1 to Mar. 31) or a Special Enrollment Period. Our caregiver’s guide to Medicare covers first-time enrollment.
Special Enrollment Periods
Missed open enrollment? You may still qualify for a Special Enrollment Period after a life event such as:
- Losing job-based or other health coverage
- Getting married or divorced
- Having a baby or adopting a child
- Moving to a new ZIP code, county, or state
- Gaining or losing Medicaid eligibility
- Turning 26 and aging off a parent’s plan
- The death of the policyholder in your family
For Marketplace plans, you usually have 60 days after the event to enroll. Employer plans must give you at least 30 days. Be ready to show documents, such as a marriage certificate or a loss-of-coverage letter. Our guide to changing insurance plans walks through the switch.
How to Choose a Health Plan
The lowest premium isn’t always the best deal. Before you choose, check:
- Network: Are your doctors and hospitals in network? See how to check if a doctor is in network.
- Drug coverage: Are your medications on the plan’s formulary, and at what tier? See understanding prescription benefits.
- Total costs: Add up premiums, the deductible, and the out-of-pocket maximum for a worst-case year. Our guide to copays, coinsurance, and deductibles explains each.
- Plan type: Do you need referrals to see specialists? Compare HMO and PPO plans.
- Extras: Are dental, vision, hearing, or telehealth included?
Tips for Open Enrollment
- Review this year’s care. Did your health needs, doctors, or prescriptions change?
- Don’t assume auto-renewal is your best option. Premiums, networks, and drug lists change every year.
- Update your income on HealthCare.gov. Your subsidy is based on your estimated income for the coming year.
- Estimate your total yearly costs, not just the monthly premium. A slightly higher premium can mean a lower bill if you use a lot of care.
- Get free help. Marketplace navigators and your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for Medicare offer unbiased, free counseling.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is open enrollment for 2027 health insurance?
Medicare open enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2026. HealthCare.gov open enrollment runs November 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1. Employer and state marketplace dates vary.
What happens if I miss open enrollment?
Unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you’ll have to wait until the next open enrollment. Medicaid and CHIP accept applications year-round.
Can I switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage during open enrollment?
Yes. Between October 15 and December 7, you can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, switch back, change Medicare Advantage plans, or change Part D drug plans.
Will my Marketplace plan cost more in 2027?
It might. Enhanced premium tax credits expired at the end of 2025, and premiums change every year. Update your income and compare plans on HealthCare.gov to see your 2027 price.
Do I need to do anything if I want to keep my current plan?
Many plans renew automatically, but your costs and benefits can change. Review your plan’s notices and confirm it still fits before the deadline.
What’s the difference between open enrollment and a Special Enrollment Period?
Open enrollment happens once a year for everyone. A Special Enrollment Period is triggered by a qualifying life event and usually lasts 60 days for Marketplace plans and at least 30 days for employer plans.
Learn More with Patient.com
A few minutes of preparation now can save you money and stress next year. Patient.com breaks down the fine print on plans, costs, and coverage so you can choose with confidence. Start with our guide to understanding health insurance plans.
