2027 Open Enrollment Dates
2027 open enrollment opens Nov 1 — the key dates, the subsidy cliff, and how to compare marketplace vs. private nationwide PPO.
2027 Open Enrollment
2027 Open Enrollment: New Dates, Higher Costs & What Changed
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
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.
Get Free Quotes Book a CallFrequently 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
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.
ACA Subsidy Cliff 2026: What Self-Employed Earners Above $60K Need to Know
Enhanced ACA subsidies expired December 31, 2025. If you earn above $60,240, you now pay the full unsubsidized Marketplace premium. Here's what changed — and what self-employed professionals in good health can do about it.
Private PPO * ACA 2026 * Self-Employed
ACA Subsidy Cliff 2026: What Self-Employed Earners Above $60K Need to Know
What changed in 2026
Before (2021-2025)
- Enhanced credits capped premiums at 8.5% of income
- Subsidies available at any income level
- Higher earners still got meaningful help
Now (2026)
- Subsidies cut off at $60,240 (individual)
- Above that - 100% full unsubsidized rate
- Full-price Silver plans average $600-$900/mo*
- Deductibles typically $4,000-$8,000
Marketplace vs Private PPO
- Guaranteed issue - no health screening
- Subsidies if income under $60,240
- Often HMO/EPO - referrals common
- Open enrollment window only
- Income reconciliation at tax time
- Full price if above subsidy threshold
- Health underwriting required
- Premiums based on health - not income
- Nationwide PPO access - no referrals
- Available any month - no enrollment window
- No subsidy reconciliation at tax time
- Can cost significantly less for healthy applicants*
Who Private PPO works best for
Income above $60K
- No subsidies available anyway
- Private PPO often cheaper
Variable income
- No mid-year reconciliation risk
- Fixed premium regardless of earnings
Missed open enrollment
- No qualifying event needed
- Coverage can start within days
How RKA helps
What we do
- Confirm your exact subsidy eligibility
- Verify your doctors in both ACA and PPO networks
- Project total annual cost - premium + deductible
- Pre-screen PPO eligibility before you apply
What you get
- Side-by-side ACA vs PPO comparison
- No surprises at application or tax time
- Coverage that fits your income and health
- A licensed advisor - not a call center
We verify your doctors, check your prescriptions, and compare ACA vs private PPO with real numbers. No pressure, no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ACA subsidy cliff in 2026?
The income point where premium tax credits phase out entirely - $60,240 for individuals in 2026. Earn $1 above that and you pay the full unsubsidized rate.
Are private PPO plans available if I missed open enrollment?
Yes. Private medically underwritten PPO plans are available year-round. No qualifying life event required.
How much could I save with a private PPO?
It depends on your age, state, and health history. For healthy applicants above the subsidy threshold, savings can be significant. We run the exact comparison for your situation at no cost.
What does medically underwritten mean?
The insurer reviews your health history before approving coverage. We pre-screen your eligibility so you know where you stand before submitting a full application.
Robert Adams * President & Licensed Agent * NPN 19540130 * Licensed in 30 states. For educational purposes only. *Premium estimates based on publicly available 2026 rate data and vary significantly by age, state, and plan. Speak to a licensed advisor for exact figures.
