Open Enrollment 2027: dates and what changed
The 400% limit is back, the out-of-pocket maximum rises and there are new eligibility rules. What to know before December 15.
If you buy your own health insurance, 2027 brings more change than a normal year. The extra help many families had since 2021 is gone, an income limit is back, and some enrollment rules got stricter. Here's the plain version.
What are the dates?
In states that use HealthCare.gov, Open Enrollment starts November 1, 2026 and ends January 15, 2027.
- Pick a plan by December 15 and coverage starts January 1.
- Pick between December 16 and January 15 and it starts February 1.
Some states run their own marketplace and set their own dates (California, New York, New Jersey and D.C., for example, close January 31). Your agent confirms your state's dates.
Did the extra tax credits come back?
No. The enhanced credits Congress passed in 2021 ended when 2026 began and were not renewed. For 2027, the original ACA rules apply:
- Households earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level generally qualify.
- Above 400%, there's no tax credit, however expensive the plan.
- Below the limit, you're expected to pay a set share of income toward the benchmark Silver plan: 2.15% to 10.22% in 2027, according to the IRS.
Where is the 400% line?
2027 coverage uses the 2026 poverty guidelines. In the 48 contiguous states and D.C.:
| Household size | 100% of poverty level | 400% (limit) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $132,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $154,720 |
The income that counts is your estimated 2027 modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), not your take-home pay. Going one dollar over can mean paying full price. Try our income calculator to see where you land.
If you're self-employed: what counts is your net profit (after business expenses). HSA contributions or a self-employed retirement plan can lower your MAGI. Ask your tax preparer before you count on it.
What if I earn more than I estimated?
Starting with 2026 tax returns, there's no cap on paying back extra credit. If your real income ends up higher, you could owe the full difference when you file. If your income changes during the year, tell your agent so your application gets updated.
Other changes for 2027
- Higher out-of-pocket maximum. The most you pay in a year for covered in-network care rises to $12,000 per person and $24,000 per family.
- Bronze plans work with an HSA. Bronze and catastrophic Marketplace plans can now be paired with a health savings account.
- No more monthly low-income enrollment. Outside Open Enrollment you now need a qualifying life event (losing coverage, moving, having a baby, getting married).
- New rules for immigrants. Starting January 1, 2027, tax credits are limited to certain groups. See who qualifies.
What to do before you renew
- Update your 2027 income estimate and check it against the 400% line.
- Don't let your plan roll over on its own: compare the new price with other options.
- Confirm your doctors and prescriptions are still covered.
- If your insurer sent a letter saying it's leaving your state, choose your new plan yourself.
Rather have someone go over it with you? A Simply Health agent can, in English or Spanish, at no cost. Get your quote.
Sources
- HealthCare.gov: Dates and deadlines
- IRS: Questions and answers on the Premium Tax Credit
- ASPE: 2026 Poverty Guidelines
- CMS: Noncitizen eligibility for APTC and CSRs, plan year 2027
This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rules and dates can change; confirm details for your state with your agent or the official source.