This open enrollment checklist covers everything you need to pick a 2027 health plan. On HealthCare.gov, Open Enrollment runs November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. Choose a plan by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1. Before you shop, gather your Social Security numbers, income estimate, employer coverage details and a list of your doctors and prescriptions. Then compare plans on total yearly cost, not just the premium, because rates and subsidies changed a lot for 2027.
- Enroll by December 15, 2026 for January 1 coverage, or by January 15, 2027 for February 1 coverage.
- Some state Marketplaces have different dates, so check yours.
- Automatic re-enrollment still applies for 2027, but your renewed plan may cost more.
- Starting with 2026 taxes, there's no cap on paying back extra tax credits, so estimate income carefully.
Open Enrollment Key Dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open Enrollment opens on HealthCare.gov |
| December 15, 2026 | Deadline for coverage that starts January 1 |
| December 31, 2026 | Plans from exiting insurers end |
| January 15, 2027 | Open Enrollment closes; coverage starts February 1 |
State-run Marketplaces set their own dates. For example, California, New Jersey, New York and Washington, D.C. run through January 31, and Virginia through January 29. Idaho closes earlier, on December 15. See every state in our open enrollment deadlines guide, or learn the basics in what Open Enrollment is.
Documents to Gather
- Social Security numbers and birth dates for everyone applying
- Immigration documents, if they apply
- Recent pay stubs, W-2s or your latest tax return
- Your best estimate of 2027 household income
- Details on any job-based coverage offered to your household
- Your current plan's name and policy number
- A list of your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions
Not sure what counts as income? Call 888-730-6001 and a licensed agent will help.
Self-employed or paid hourly? Base your income estimate on last year's tax return, then adjust for any known changes. A careful estimate protects you from a big repayment at tax time.
Your Step-by-Step Open Enrollment Checklist
- Read your renewal notice. It shows your 2027 premium and any plan changes.
- Check whether your insurer is staying. If not, see what to do when your insurer leaves.
- Update your income. Then review your new tax credit, which may be smaller now. Our guide to the ACA subsidy cliff explains why.
- Compare metal tiers. Look at bronze, silver and gold, using our bronze vs. silver plan guide.
- Confirm your doctors. First, check if your doctor is in network.
- Check your medicines. Next, search each plan's drug list for your prescriptions.
- Total your yearly cost. Add 12 months of premiums plus your likely deductible and copays.
- Enroll by December 15. Finally, pay your first premium on time so coverage starts January 1.
A licensed Vivna agent can compare plans, check your doctors and enroll you in one call, at no cost to you.
What's Different This Year
- Higher premiums. Insurers proposed a median increase of about 15%. Read why premiums are going up.
- No repayment cap. Starting with tax year 2026, if your income comes in higher than you estimated, you repay the full extra credit.
- Higher out-of-pocket cap. The 2027 maximum rises to $12,000 for one person and $24,000 for a family.
- Insurer exits. At least nine insurers are leaving, including Cigna in 11 states.
- No automatic silver switch. Bronze enrollees who qualify for cost-sharing help are no longer moved to silver for them.
- Fewer special enrollment options. The monthly enrollment window for incomes under 150% of the poverty level is gone.
- New immigrant rules. Fewer lawfully present immigrants qualify for tax credits starting in 2027.
Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why it costs you |
|---|---|
| Letting your plan auto-renew without checking | Its price and network may have changed |
| Guessing your income too low | You could repay the full extra credit at tax time |
| Choosing by premium alone | A high deductible can cost more if you need care |
| Missing December 15 | Coverage won't start until February 1 |
| Skipping the first payment | Your plan won't take effect until you pay |
After You Enroll
First, watch for your welcome packet and ID card. Then set up automatic payments so your coverage doesn't lapse. Also, report income or household changes during the year, since that keeps your credit accurate.
Miss the deadline? You may still qualify after a life event. See buying health insurance after Open Enrollment. And when your new card arrives, read how to read your insurance card.
Open Enrollment Checklist: FAQs
When is Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage?
November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov. State Marketplaces may differ.
Will my plan renew automatically?
Usually yes for 2027, if your plan is still offered. Still, compare first, since prices changed.
What documents do I need to apply?
Social Security numbers, income details, employer coverage information and immigration documents if they apply.
Can I change plans after January 15?
Only with a qualifying life event, such as losing coverage, moving or having a baby.
Does a broker cost extra?
No. Licensed agents like Vivna are paid by insurers, so our help is free.
We'll compare plans, confirm your doctors and enroll you before the deadline. Call Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm.
Sources
- HealthCare.gov: Dates and deadlines
- HealthCare.gov: Get ready to apply
- BenefitChamps: What changed for 2027 Open Enrollment
- HealthInsurance.org: 2027 ACA open enrollment changes
- CMS: 2027 Payment Notice final rule fact sheet
Dates shown are for HealthCare.gov; state-run Marketplaces set their own. Rules described here reflect federal guidance as of October 2026 and may change. This is general information, not tax advice. Vivna Insurance is a licensed, independent agency (NPN 19168641). We are not affiliated with HealthCare.gov or any government agency.