Missouri Open Enrollment: Dates, Insurers and How to Enroll

By Heather Sprague, Licensed Health Insurance Agent · Reviewed by Michael Sprague, Licensed Health Insurance Agent · Updated November 5, 2026 Missouri open enrollment runs from November 1 to January 15 on HealthCare.gov. Pick a plan by December 15 if you want coverage to start January 1. Missouri's Obamacare market is smaller this year, with six insurers instead of eight. Prices before subsidies are also rising again. Want help comparing? Call a licensed Vivna agent at 888-730-6031.

Missouri Open Enrollment Dates and Deadlines

Missouri uses HealthCare.gov, so it follows the federal calendar. The date you pick a plan decides when your coverage begins. Treat December 15 as your real deadline. After that, a gap can open if your current plan ends December 31. To compare these dates with other states, see when open enrollment ends. Our open enrollment health insurance guide also covers this year's national changes.

What's Changing in the Missouri Marketplace

Missouri has lost insurers for several years in a row. It had ten in 2023, eight in 2026 and six for 2027, according to healthinsurance.org.

Insurers Leaving and Staying

Cox Health Plans is leaving the exchange for 2027. It will only sell off-exchange plans in some counties, which come without tax credits. Medica is also merging its two Missouri companies into one. These six insurers sell 2027 Marketplace plans in Missouri:

• Ambetter from Home State Health
• Anthem
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City
• Medica
• Oscar
• UnitedHealthcare

However, not every insurer covers every county. If your insurer is leaving, read what to do when your insurer leaves the marketplace.

Proposed Rate Changes by Insurer

Full prices are rising, but less sharply than last year. In 2026, Missouri rates jumped an average of 23.1%. For 2027, insurers asked for these changes before subsidies:

Proposed rates from Missouri filings, per healthinsurance.org. Missouri reviews rates but cannot block an increase. Your own price may move more or less than these averages. Because subsidies follow the benchmark silver plan, many people pay far less than the sticker price. In 2026, subsidized Missourians paid about $90 a month on average.

How Subsidies Work in Missouri Now

Missouri voters expanded Medicaid in 2020, and coverage began in 2021. So adults under 65 who earn up to 138% of the poverty level qualify for MO HealthNet. Above that line, Marketplace tax credits take over. The extra federal subsidies ended after 2025. As a result, the 400% income cap is back, and people above it get no tax credit. Here is where those lines fall for 2027 coverage.

Based on 2026 federal poverty guidelines used for 2027 coverage. Earn between 138% and 250%? Then look at silver plans with cost sharing reductions, which cut deductibles and copays. Close to the cap? Our guide to the ACA subsidy cliff shows ways to stay under it. Also note that Missouri plans to add a Medicaid work requirement in 2027.

How to Enroll in a Missouri Marketplace Plan, Step by Step

1. Gather your documents. You need Social Security numbers, income records and your current plan details.
2. Estimate your 2027 household income. Your tax credit depends on this number, so be realistic.
3. Log in to HealthCare.gov or call a licensed agent. Update your application even if you plan to keep your plan.
4. Check your insurer. Cox Health members must choose a new on-exchange plan to keep tax credits.
5. Compare plans in your county. Look at networks, drug lists, deductibles and the total yearly cost.
6. Pick a plan by December 15. Then pay your first premium so coverage starts January 1.

Vivna works with Ambetter, Oscar and UnitedHealthcare in Missouri. Our Missouri health insurance page covers plan types, and the Missouri health insurance FAQs answer common questions.

If You Miss the Missouri Open Enrollment Deadline

After January 15, you need a qualifying life event to buy a Marketplace plan. Losing job coverage, moving or having a baby are common examples. Our guide to the special enrollment period lists every event and deadline. Without a life event, Missouri still gives you choices. UnitedHealthcare sells short-term health insurance here, plus tri-term health insurance for longer gaps. Keep in mind that these plans are not ACA coverage. Want to talk it through? Call 888-730-6031.

Missouri Open Enrollment FAQs

When is open enrollment in Missouri?

Open enrollment runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1.

What happens if my Cox Health plan ends?

You can choose a new Marketplace plan during open enrollment. Otherwise, HealthCare.gov may move you to a similar plan.

Who qualifies for Medicaid in Missouri?

Adults under 65 with income up to 138% of the poverty level can qualify for MO HealthNet. Children and people who are pregnant have higher limits.

Does it cost anything to use a licensed agent?

No. Vivna's help is free, and your premium is the same as buying direct.

Next Steps for Missouri Open Enrollment

First, check whether your insurer is staying on the exchange. Next, update your income on your application. Finally, compare plans before December 15 so your coverage starts January 1. Call 888-730-6031 to get started.

Sources

• healthinsurance.org: Missouri health insurance marketplace
• HealthCare.gov: Dates and deadlines
• HealthCare.gov: Special Enrollment Period

Related Guides

• Open enrollment health insurance guide
• Missouri health insurance
• Open enrollment checklist
• Before your health insurance renews
• Special enrollment period

Vivna Insurance is a licensed independent agency, not a government website, and is not HealthCare.gov. Our help is free; we are paid by the insurance companies we work with. Plan availability, rates and savings vary by county and income.