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.