Open enrollment 2027: the deadline is December 15, not January 15

A lot of what the internet says about open enrollment dates is stale. Current, as of this page's review date:

The 2027 window

In the 29 states using HealthCare.gov: November 1 – December 15, 2026, with coverage starting January 1, 2027. That's a full month shorter than the November-to-mid-January window consumers were trained on — older articles saying "January 15" are describing rules that no longer apply. [VERIFY AT BUILD: confirm against the final 2027 NBPP, which faces pending litigation as of June 2026.]

Miss December 15 and there is no "late start" tier — no February 1 coverage for January enrollees, because there are no January enrollees.

State exchanges may differ

States running their own marketplaces set their own windows, some longer, some starting early (Georgia and Idaho have historically opened before November 1). If you're in one of those states, our ZIP box will tell you honestly and point you to the official exchange — check its dates there, not here.

Why the shorter window matters more this year

Auto-renewal is a worse default than it used to be: premiums moved by double digits two years running, carriers exited markets (Aetna left the ACA marketplaces entirely in 2026), and the subsidy rules may change again mid-stream if Congress acts — our tracker follows that. A renewal notice that looks "fine" can hide a better plan two clicks away. Fifteen fewer shopping days, more reasons to shop: start when window shopping opens in late October, not on December 13.

If you do miss it

Your options for 2027: a qualifying life event (loss of coverage, move, marriage, birth, turning 26 — each with its own 60-day window), Medicaid or CHIP if income-eligible (year-round), and honestly assessed gap options if neither applies. What you shouldn't do is wait uninsured for November 2027 without checking the year-round doors first.

The calendar, in one place

• Late October 2026: window shopping opens — browse 2027 plans and prices without enrolling.
• November 1: enrollment opens.
• December 15: enrollment closes for January 1 coverage. The real deadline.
• After December 15: SEP or Medicaid pathways only.