Short answer: ACA open enrollment 2027 on HealthCare.gov runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. To have coverage from January 1, pick a plan by December 15, 2026. If you enroll between December 16 and January 15, coverage starts February 1. This year matters more than usual.
The enhanced premium tax credits have expired, so households earning more than 400% of the federal poverty level (about $63,840 for one person or $132,000 for a family of four, using the 2026 guidelines) get no federal subsidy. Average benchmark silver premiums are rising about 13% for 2027.
Starting with 2026 tax returns, there’s also no cap on repaying excess tax credits if your income ends up higher than you estimated. Always return to the Marketplace and compare plans. Don’t let it auto-renew.
Checked on November 12, 2026 against HealthCare.gov, the CMS plan year 2027 fact sheet (October 30, 2026) and KFF’s November 6, 2026 analysis. Dates can differ in states that run their own Marketplace.
Key ACA open enrollment 2027 dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open enrollment starts on HealthCare.gov |
| December 15, 2026 | Last day to enroll for coverage starting January 1, 2027 |
| December 16, 2026 to January 15, 2027 | Enroll for coverage starting February 1, 2027 |
| January 15, 2027 | Open enrollment ends (unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period) |
Sources: HealthCare.gov dates and deadlines, CMS fact sheet.
State-run Marketplaces in places like California, New York and New Jersey can set different dates. Check your state’s exchange website.
The subsidy cliff explained
From 2021 to 2025, the enhanced premium tax credits capped benchmark premiums at a share of income even for people above 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Those credits expired, so the old “cliff” is back. If your household income is even $1 over 400% FPL, you lose the federal premium tax credit entirely.
400% FPL limits for 2027 coverage (48 contiguous states and DC)
| Household size | 400% FPL (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $132,000 |
Based on the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines used for 2027 Marketplace coverage, as summarised by Georgetown CHIR / Health Reform: Beyond the Basics. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits.
Income here means MAGI. For most people that’s adjusted gross income plus any untaxed foreign income, tax-exempt interest and non-taxable Social Security.
How much are premiums going up?
According to KFF:
- The average benchmark silver premium rises 13% for 2027: 11% in HealthCare.gov states and 16% in states that run their own exchanges.
- That follows a 26% rise from 2025 to 2026. Benchmark premiums are up about 42% over two years.
- For a 40-year-old, the national average benchmark silver premium is about $703 a month before subsidies, after KFF’s correction.
CMS emphasises the other side: it says more than 75% of HealthCare.gov shoppers can still find a plan for $50 a month or less after subsidies, and that people who qualify for tax credits have nearly 90% of the lowest-cost premium covered (CMS). Both things can be true: subsidised enrollees are cushioned, while people above the cliff pay full price.
Other 2027 changes to know
- No repayment cap. From the 2026 tax year, the limits on how much excess advance premium tax credit you have to pay back are gone. If you under-estimate your income, you could owe the whole difference at tax time, reconciled on Form 8962.
- Insurer exits. KFF counted 11 carriers leaving at least one state and seven entering. Cigna is leaving the individual market in all 11 of its states. If your insurer is leaving, you must choose a new plan.
- Some lawfully present immigrants lose subsidies. From 2027, premium tax credits are limited to green-card holders, certain Cuban and Haitian entrants and COFA migrants. Refugees and asylees can still buy coverage at full price.
- Medicaid work requirements. If you lose or are denied Medicaid only for not meeting new work requirements, you also can’t get Marketplace subsidies in those states.
- HSA-eligible plans. Under the 2025 law, bronze and catastrophic Marketplace plans count as HSA-eligible. CMS says HealthCare.gov enrollees have about 35 HSA-eligible plans to choose from on average.
- Fewer helpers. HHS has paused registration of new agents and brokers on the federal platform until February 2027, and Navigator funding was cut earlier.
How to keep costs down
- Estimate your 2027 income carefully, and update it on HealthCare.gov if it changes during the year. This is the single best protection against a surprise tax bill.
- Lower your MAGI if you’re near the cliff. Contributions to a traditional IRA, a 401(k) or an HSA reduce MAGI and could restore your eligibility. KFF notes this strategy too. Run the numbers or ask a tax professional.
- Compare metal levels. In some areas the lowest-cost gold plan costs about the same as silver. KFF’s corrected national averages are $681 for the lowest-cost silver plan and $694 for the lowest-cost gold plan.
- Check cost-sharing reductions if your income is up to 250% FPL. Silver plans then come with lower deductibles.
- Shop actively. Auto-renewal can leave you in a plan that’s now much more expensive, or with an insurer that’s left.
- Check whether your state adds its own help. New Mexico fully replaced the lost federal enhanced credits for its enrollees. California, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Virginia have state programmes of varying sizes.
Example: what the cliff means
A single 40-year-old earning $62,000 is under 400% FPL. That person’s subsidy is based on a share of income, and the tax credit covers the rest of the benchmark premium. If their income rises to $65,000, which is over $63,840, they lose the tax credit and pay the full premium, around $703 a month for an average benchmark plan, or about $8,400 a year.
A $3,000 pre-tax retirement contribution that brings MAGI back under the line could be worth far more than the contribution itself. Real figures depend on age, location and plan.
Missed open enrollment? Special Enrollment Periods
After January 15, 2027 you can generally only enroll or switch plans if you have a qualifying life event. That opens a Special Enrollment Period, which usually lasts 60 days. Common qualifying events include:
- Losing other coverage, such as leaving a job with health insurance or losing Medicaid eligibility.
- Getting married or having or adopting a child.
- Moving to a new area with different Marketplace plans.
- A change in income that affects your eligibility, in some circumstances.
Voluntarily dropping a plan or simply missing the deadline doesn’t count. If you’re turning 26 and coming off a parent’s plan, or retiring early before Medicare, mark those dates now. HealthCare.gov’s screener tool can tell you whether you qualify.
Watch out for scams
KFF reports that HHS cancelled about 760,000 “phantom” enrollments in September 2026, where brokers may have signed people up without their knowledge. Only enroll at HealthCare.gov or your state’s official exchange. Be wary of anyone promising “$0 plans for everyone” or cash rewards. Never share your login.
Planning your taxes alongside your coverage? See our 2026 year-end tax checklist and the 2027 tax brackets and standard deduction.
Your Marketplace subsidy depends on your income estimate. See how the new overtime and tips deductions work, our tax-saving tips and how AI tax software can flag missed credits.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not tax, legal, investment or financial advice. Figures were checked against official sources on November 12, 2026, but tax rules, thresholds and deadlines change and depend on your personal circumstances and location. Verify details with official sources (such as the IRS, HMRC, HealthCare.gov or the SEC) and consult a qualified tax adviser, accountant or financial professional before acting. taxtotech.com is not affiliated with HealthCare.gov, CMS, KFF or any insurer.
ACA open enrollment 2027 FAQ
When is ACA open enrollment for 2027?
On HealthCare.gov it runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1.
What is the 400% FPL limit for 2027 coverage?
About $63,840 for one person and $132,000 for a family of four in the 48 contiguous states and DC, based on the 2026 poverty guidelines.
Did the enhanced ACA subsidies expire?
Yes. The enhanced premium tax credits expired, so there’s no federal premium tax credit above 400% FPL for 2027.
Will I have to pay back my premium tax credit?
If your actual income is higher than you estimated, you may have to repay excess advance credits when you file. From the 2026 tax year onwards, those repayments are no longer capped.
What happens if I miss December 15?
You can still enroll until January 15, 2027, but coverage won’t start until February 1. After January 15 you need a qualifying life event.
Can I use an HSA with a Marketplace plan?
From 2026, bronze and catastrophic Marketplace plans are treated as HSA-eligible under the 2025 law. Check the plan details before you contribute.
Conclusion
ACA open enrollment 2027 is a year to shop carefully. Premiums are up again, the 400% FPL subsidy cliff is back and repayments are uncapped. Mark December 15 for January coverage, estimate your income honestly, check whether a pre-tax contribution keeps you under the cliff, and compare silver against gold. If anything is unclear, contact HealthCare.gov or a certified enrollment assister in your area.
