HealthCare.gov opened its annual enrollment period on November 1 for 2027 health coverage. The federal marketplace tells applicants to enroll in or change plans by December 15 for coverage that can begin January 1, with the first premium paid.
The site lists January 15 as the final day of open enrollment. People enrolling or changing plans from December 16 through January 15 can have coverage begin February 1 after paying the first premium. These are the dates posted for the federal marketplace; residents using a state-run marketplace should check that marketplace’s own instructions.
Applicants can use HealthCare.gov online, enroll by phone, seek local assistance, use a certified enrollment partner or submit a paper application. The site’s local-help search uses a city and state or ZIP code to find people and organizations that help with applications.
Phone assistance is available through 1-800-318-2596. HealthCare.gov says help is available in other languages, and some local organizations offer language assistance and in-person appointments. Availability depends on the organization.
Outside open enrollment, a qualifying life event such as marriage, a new child, a move or loss of coverage may create a Special Enrollment Period. Eligibility depends on the applicable rules rather than simply wanting to change a plan.
Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program accept applications at any time. Applicants should compare the coverage, costs and provider details relevant to their household and complete the payment steps required to activate a selected marketplace plan.
