2027 Open Enrollment Dates

2027 Open Enrollment

2027 Open Enrollment: New Dates, Higher Costs & What Changed

Fast take: Open enrollment for 2027 coverage opens November 1, 2026. Two things make this year different: premiums jumped (the extra help that lowered them expired), and if you earn over a certain income you now get no subsidy at all — the "subsidy cliff" is back. The dates are also confusing this year — the one deadline that's solid everywhere is December 15 for January 1 coverage. Most brokers will just re-enroll you in the marketplace. We're one of a limited number of agents who also offer private nationwide PPO plans — priced on your health, often cheaper if you're healthy or earn too much for help — and we compare both.

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Nov 1, 2026Open enrollment opens

Dec 15, 2026Enroll by this date for Jan 1 coverage

$0 subsidyif you earn over the income cutoff (the "cliff" is back)

The 2027 dates (and the confusion, cleared up)

What's solid

• Nov 1, 2026 — open enrollment opens
• Dec 15, 2026 — enroll by this date for coverage starting January 1 (true in every state)
• Miss Dec 15 and your start date is typically pushed to Feb 1 where a later window still applies

What's in flux

• A federal rule tried to end 2027 open enrollment on Dec 15 — but a court vacated it in June 2026
• So most states are expected to keep the Jan 15, 2027 end date, but it varies by state and could shift
• Bottom line: don't gamble on the late window — target Dec 15

What changed for 2027

The enhanced subsidies that lowered premiums from 2021–2025 expired at the end of 2025. For 2027 that means higher net premiums for many, and the return of the subsidy cliff: earn a dollar over 400% of the federal poverty level and you lose all marketplace subsidy. If your income is above that line, the marketplace charges full retail — which is exactly where a private plan often wins.

Your two ways to enroll for 2027

Private nationwide PPO

• Offered by only a limited number of agents — we're one
• Priced on your health, not income — often cheaper if you're healthy or above the cliff
• Broad nationwide network, no referrals, enroll year-round
• Medically underwritten — not everyone qualifies

A marketplace (ACA) plan

• Best if your income qualifies you for a subsidy
• Guaranteed issue — no health questions; covers maternity and pre-existing conditions
• Enroll during the open enrollment window above
• Networks often narrower (HMO/EPO), with referrals

Above the subsidy line, or healthy? A marketplace plan at full retail isn't your only option. A private nationwide PPO is frequently cheaper with a broader network — the option most brokers can't offer. We compare both for your income, health, and doctors.

Had a Cigna plan? Cigna is leaving the ACA marketplace for 2027 — your plan won't renew. Here's exactly what to do: Cigna 2027 exit — your options →

What to do now

• 1. Check your income against the cliff for your family size — it decides whether the marketplace or a private PPO wins.
• 2. Compare both — full-price marketplace vs. a private nationwide PPO, on premium, network, and total cost.
• 3. Confirm your doctors and prescriptions are covered before you enroll.
• 4. Enroll by December 15 for January 1 coverage — don't rely on the later window.

Get your 2027 plan sorted before Dec 15

We compare private nationwide PPO plans and marketplace options — matched to your income, doctors, and budget — at no cost to you.

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Frequently asked questions

When does 2027 open enrollment start and end?

It opens November 1, 2026. The deadline to enroll for January 1 coverage is December 15, 2026 in every state. A rule that would have ended enrollment on December 15 was vacated in court, so most states are expected to run through January 15, 2027 — but this varies by state and can change, so target December 15 to be safe.

What is the subsidy cliff for 2027?

With the enhanced subsidies expired, if your household income is above 400% of the federal poverty level you get no marketplace subsidy in 2027 — you pay the full premium. For healthy households over the cliff, a private nationwide PPO is often the cheaper option.

Is the marketplace my only choice?

No. Besides a marketplace plan, we offer private, medically-underwritten nationwide PPO plans that only a limited number of agents can access — often cheaper and broader for healthy or higher-income households. We compare both.

What if I miss the deadline?

You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period after a life event (job loss, marriage, a move, a new baby). And private PPO plans enroll year-round, so you're not locked out until next fall.

Related guides

• Cigna is leaving the ACA marketplace in 2027 — what to do
• Marketplace vs. private PPO — which wins
• The subsidy cliff explained
• Health insurance for the self-employed

This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for personalized advice. Open enrollment dates and rules vary by state and are subject to change and ongoing litigation; confirm the current dates for your state before enrolling. RKA Insurance Advisors is an independent, licensed health insurance brokerage (NPN 19540130) that compares ACA marketplace and private, medically-underwritten nationwide PPO plans. Private plans are not ACA-compliant and are subject to medical underwriting — not all applicants qualify. We do not offer Medicare. Not insurance, legal, tax, or financial advice. Call (561) 806-9913.

Cigna Leaving ACA Marketplace 2027

Coverage Alert • ACA Marketplace

Cigna Is Leaving the ACA Marketplace in 2027: What Members Need to Know

Fast take: If you have a Cigna individual or family plan, it won't renew for 2027 — it ends December 31, 2026. Most brokers will simply move you to another marketplace plan; you can even do that yourself. Here's the difference: we're one of a limited number of agents who also offer private nationwide PPO plans — priced on your health, with a broader network — and we compare both so you get the right fit, not a computer's auto-assignment.

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What sets us apart: anyone can put you back on the marketplace — every broker has it, and you can self-enroll. What most agents can't offer is a private, medically-underwritten nationwide PPO: priced on your health instead of your income, with a broad national network and year-round enrollment. For a healthy household or anyone above the subsidy line, it's frequently the better — and cheaper — way to replace a Cigna plan. We're one of the few who compare both for you.

Dec 31, 2026When your Cigna plan ends

Private PPOThe option most brokers can't offer — we can

369,000Members affected across 11 states

What's happening

Cigna announced in April 2026 that it is leaving the individual ACA market to focus on its larger business lines. The result: Cigna individual and family plans will not be sold or renewed for 2027. This affects both on-exchange plans (through HealthCare.gov or your state's marketplace) and off-exchange Cigna individual plans. Employer group and Medicare products are not affected.

Your two ways to replace it

Private nationwide PPO

• Offered by only a limited number of agents — we're one
• Priced on your health, not your income — often cheaper if you're healthy or above the subsidy line
• Broad nationwide PPO network, no referrals, enroll year-round
• Medically underwritten — not everyone qualifies

A new marketplace (ACA) plan

• Best if your income qualifies you for a subsidy
• Guaranteed issue — no health questions
• Any subsidy you get today carries to the new plan
• Networks are often narrower (HMO/EPO), with referrals

The risk if you do nothing: when a carrier leaves, the marketplace may auto-move you to a "similar" plan chosen by a computer — one that may drop your doctor, cut a medication, or cost more. On January 1, 2027 you could be on a plan you never picked — and miss the private PPO option entirely.

What you should do now

• 1. Don't wait for the auto-switch. Choose your own 2027 coverage during open enrollment.
• 2. Compare both. Weigh a private nationwide PPO against a new marketplace plan — premium, network, and total cost.
• 3. Match it to your doctors and prescriptions. Confirm your providers are covered before you enroll.
• 4. Enroll before the deadline so your new coverage starts January 1 with no gap.

Key dates for 2027 coverage

Deadlines that matter

• Dec 31, 2026 — your current Cigna plan ends
• Nov 1, 2026 – Jan 15, 2027 — open enrollment (marketplace)
• Dec 15, 2026 — enroll by this date for Jan 1 coverage (no gap)

Good to know

• Private nationwide PPO plans enroll year-round — not tied to open enrollment
• Every marketplace plan is guaranteed-issue — no denial for pre-existing conditions
• Many of the same doctors are in other carriers' networks

Find your state

Cigna is exiting the ACA marketplace in 11 states. Choose yours for the details and next steps:

Florida Georgia Texas North Carolina Virginia Illinois Indiana Tennessee Mississippi Colorado

Losing your Cigna plan? See the option most brokers can't show you.

We compare private nationwide PPO plans and marketplace options — matched to your doctors, prescriptions, and budget — at no cost to you.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a new marketplace plan my only option?

No — and this is the part most people never hear. Besides a new marketplace (ACA) plan, you can replace a Cigna plan with a private, medically-underwritten nationwide PPO, which only a limited number of agents offer. It's priced on your health, uses a broad national network, and is often cheaper if you're healthy or above the subsidy line. We compare both.

What's the difference between marketplace and private PPO?

Marketplace plans are subsidized (if you qualify), guaranteed-issue, and often narrower networks. Private nationwide PPO plans are priced on your health, use broad networks with no referrals, and enroll year-round — but are medically underwritten, so not everyone qualifies. Most brokers only offer the marketplace side; we do both.

When does my Cigna plan end?

December 31, 2026. It will not renew into a Cigna plan for 2027.

Will I lose my doctors or my subsidy?

Not necessarily. Many of the same doctors are in other carriers' networks, and any marketplace subsidy carries to a new marketplace plan. A private PPO uses a broad national network. The key is comparing both before you enroll.

Does it cost anything to work with an advisor?

No. A licensed independent advisor is paid by the carriers, so there's no fee to you for help comparing private PPO and marketplace plans and enrolling.

Robert Adams

President & Licensed Agent, RKA Insurance Advisors · NPN 19540130 · (561) 806-9913

This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for personalized advice. Plan availability, pricing, and enrollment dates vary by state; confirm details for your situation before enrolling. RKA Insurance Advisors is an independent, licensed health insurance brokerage specializing in private, medically-underwritten nationwide PPO plans in addition to ACA marketplace coverage. Private plans are not ACA-compliant and are subject to medical underwriting — not all applicants qualify. We do not offer Medicare. This content does not constitute insurance, legal, tax, or financial advice.

Open Enrollment Deadlines: What to Know & When to Enroll

Guide • Open Enrollment

Open Enrollment Deadlines: What to Know & When to Enroll

📅 Want this year's exact dates? See our 2027 Open Enrollment Dates guide →

Fast take: Open Enrollment is the main window each year to choose coverage. Miss it and you'll need a Special Enrollment Period (a life event or qualifying income) — or you may be able to use a private PPO that enrolls year-round, if you qualify. Here are all four paths in.

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Your four ways in, at a glance

Open Enrollment (most states)

• Late fall through mid-January, for coverage starting Jan 1 (or Feb 1 for later picks)
• The best time to compare plans and confirm your doctors and prescriptions
• We'll confirm this year's exact dates for your state

Special Enrollment (life events)

• Triggers: loss of coverage, marriage/divorce, birth/adoption, a move, and more
• Usually a 60-day window (varies by event and state)
• We help document it and enroll you before the deadline

Income-based special enrollment

• Certain income ranges can unlock a monthly enrollment window in some states
• Helpful if your income fluctuates or you missed the main window
• We check eligibility and project your income

Private PPO (if eligible)

• Some medically-underwritten plans enroll year-round
• We pre-screen underwriting and confirm nationwide access
• Great for travelers or households tied to specific doctors

How to avoid missing your window

• Set a reminder. Book a consult ahead of open enrollment so we can verify your doctors and run cost projections.
• Gather your details. Provider list (names and locations), prescriptions, and estimated income.
• Pick with confidence. We show total annual cost (premium plus likely usage) and confirm your start date.

We'll confirm your dates and handle enrollment

Send your providers and prescriptions. We'll line up Marketplace vs. private PPO options, confirm networks, and submit your application correctly and on time.

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Quick FAQs

Do state-based Marketplace dates differ?

Yes. Most states follow the standard late-fall to mid-January window, but several states run their own dates. We'll confirm the exact deadline for your state.

Can I switch plans mid-year?

Generally only with a qualifying life event that opens a Special Enrollment Period. Otherwise Open Enrollment is your main window — though a private PPO may let you enroll year-round if eligible.

Are private PPOs available in my state?

Often, yes — subject to medical underwriting. We pre-screen quickly and confirm nationwide network access before you apply.

For education only; eligibility, plan availability, and dates vary by state and carrier. Always review official Marketplace notices and plan documents. Private plans are medically underwritten — not all applicants qualify. RKA Insurance Advisors is an independent, licensed health insurance brokerage (NPN 19540130). We do not offer Medicare. Call (561) 806-9913.

Open Enrollment 2026: What You Need to Know

Open Enrollment 2026: What You Need to Know

Oct 15 • Written By Robert Adams

Fast take: ACA health plan rates and benefits can change for 2026. Open Enrollment is your yearly window to switch plans, verify your doctors, and lock in coverage dates. Here’s the 2-minute rundown and how we’ll compare options for you.

Important dates

Open Enrollment Window Nov 1, 2025 → Jan 15, 2026

Enroll by Dec 15 Coverage starts Jan 1, 2026

Enroll by Jan 15 Coverage starts Feb 1, 2026

Get Expert Guidance Today

We’ll verify your doctors and meds, compare Marketplace vs. Private PPO, and show clear costs—no pressure, just answers.

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What’s changing for 2026?

• Medical inflation & utilization: Hospital and provider costs continue to ripple through next year’s premiums.
• Prescription drugs: High-cost specialty meds remain a driver; formularies and tiers can shift.
• Subsidy math: Income and household size determine savings. We’ll confirm your eligibility band before you choose.
• Networks: HMO vs PPO vs EPO—pick based on the doctors/hospitals you actually use, not just the premium.

How to choose the right plan (quick framework)

• Doctors & facilities first: We confirm in-network status and referral rules.
• Rx check: We price your actual meds across plans (tier, prior auth, step therapy, mail-order).
• True annual cost: Compare premium + expected usage (copays/coinsurance + deductible + max out-of-pocket).
• Access & travel: If you need multi-state flexibility or out-of-network options, consider PPO over HMO.

Quick FAQs

When should I enroll?

Enroll early. Dec 15 starts Jan 1 coverage; Jan 15 starts Feb 1 coverage.

Can private PPOs be cheaper than Marketplace?

Yes—especially for healthy households that don’t qualify for large subsidies. We’ll model both paths.

Can you confirm my doctors and hospitals?

Absolutely. We verify providers and prescriptions before we present options.

Bottom line

Open Enrollment 2026 is your chance to realign cost, access, and coverage. We’ll do the homework—net cost, doctors, medications, and network rules—so you can enroll with confidence.

Robert Adams • President & Licensed Agent • NPN 19540130
Licensed in AL, CO, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, KS, LA, MD, MI, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NV, OH, OK, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI, WV, WY

For education only; eligibility and benefits vary by carrier and state. Always review official plan documents.

Open Enrollment & Your Plan Options

Open Enrollment • Basics

Open Enrollment & Your Plan Options, Explained

📅 Looking for this year's exact dates? See our 2027 Open Enrollment Dates guide →

Fast take: Open enrollment is the once-a-year window to sign up for or change health coverage. It opens November 1 and runs into mid-January in most states — enroll by December 15 for a January 1 start. But the Marketplace isn't your only option: the right plan depends on your income, health, lifestyle, and work. Here's how the choices actually compare.

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Open enrollment is the period each year when you can sign up for health insurance or change your current coverage. In most states it opens November 1 and runs through mid-January for individual and family plans. Enroll by December 15 and coverage typically starts January 1; enroll after that (through the deadline) and coverage usually starts February 1. Some states run their own window on different dates — check with one of our benefit specialists for your state, or see the current-year guide linked above.

Marketplace metal tiers

• Bronze — lowest monthly cost, but higher deductibles and more out-of-pocket expense.
• Silver — middle-of-the-road; balances coverage and cost (and unlocks extra savings if you qualify).
• Gold — higher premium, stronger cost-sharing, lower deductibles and out-of-pocket exposure.
• Platinum — rare and only in a few counties; highest premium, lowest deductibles.

Networks: why the type matters

Most Marketplace options are HMO or EPO networks — limited to a local service area, covering you outside it only for emergencies. PPO networks are available in select areas and offer nationwide access to providers without referrals. If you travel, split time between states, or want freedom to see specialists directly, network type matters as much as price.

Subsidies (premium tax credits)

If your income falls between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level, you may qualify for a premium tax credit that lowers your Marketplace cost — sometimes dramatically. The exact income cutoffs change each year, and earning over the top of the range means you pay full price (the "subsidy cliff"). We calculate your current-year subsidy and show your true net cost. More on the subsidy cliff →

Options beyond the Marketplace

Our specialty — private nationwide PPO. If subsidies aren't available to you (or you want a broader network), a private, medically-underwritten PPO often delivers lower out-of-pocket costs and lower deductibles than the Marketplace, with coast-to-coast provider access and no referrals. Some options are guaranteed renewable to age 65. It's the option only a limited number of agents offer — and where we shine. (Underwriting required — you'll need to be relatively healthy to qualify.)

Other options we can compare

• Short-term medical — often the most affordable; coverage for roughly 30 days up to (with some insurers) 12 months. More limited than major medical.
• Fixed indemnity — supplemental coverage that pays set cash benefits toward specific costs; a layer of protection on top of a plan, not a replacement.
• Healthcare sharing — members share medical costs via a monthly share amount; not insurance, with its own rules and limits.

Don't assume your current plan is still the best

Before you renew, talk to a benefits specialist — we'll compare Marketplace and private options, verify your doctors, and make sure you're not overpaying.

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Frequently asked questions

When exactly can I enroll?

Open enrollment opens November 1 and runs into mid-January in most states; some state marketplaces differ. See the current-year guide for exact dates, or ask us about your state.

Is the Marketplace my only choice?

No. Depending on your income and health, a private nationwide PPO or a supplemental option may be a better fit. We compare all of them for you.

How do I know I'm not overpaying?

We price your real annual cost — premium, deductible, copays, and out-of-pocket max — across every option and verify your doctors before you enroll.

For education only; eligibility, benefits, and availability vary by carrier and state. Always review official plan documents. Private plans are medically underwritten — not all applicants qualify. RKA Insurance Advisors is an independent, licensed health insurance brokerage (NPN 19540130). We do not offer Medicare. Call (561) 806-9913.