-- Open enrollment for 2027 individual and family coverage purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace runs from November 1, 2026, through January 15, 2027, on HealthCare.gov and in most states.
Consumers who want coverage to start on January 1, 2027, must complete enrollment or a plan change by December 15, 2026.
Jack DeBrabander, a licensed health insurance agent and founder of Estes Health Solutions, said households that buy their own coverage should compare 2027 plan options before allowing a current policy to renew automatically.
“Most people let their plan renew automatically because it worked last year. This year, the plan they have may cost more, may have a different network, or may not be offered. Auto-renewal can leave a household with a January premium they did not expect.” — Jack DeBrabander
Premium tax credits follow pre-2021 income limits
Enhanced premium tax credits that expanded Marketplace subsidies from 2021 through 2025 expired on December 31, 2025, and have not been renewed. For 2027 coverage, federal premium tax credits are again limited to households with income between 100 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level. A household whose projected income is above that threshold receives no federal premium assistance.
“The 400 percent cliff is the change that most often surprises people. A raise, a bonus, or income from a side business can move a household over the line, and the credit drops to zero. The income figure entered during enrollment is what determines the monthly premium.” — DeBrabander
Federal subsidies still apply to most Marketplace enrollees. During open enrollment for 2026 coverage, roughly 87 percent of Marketplace customers received premium tax credits. Because credit amounts are tied to the cost of a benchmark silver plan, a higher benchmark premium can increase the credit. Other plans do not always change at the same rate, so the lowest-cost option in 2026 may not be the lowest-cost option in 2027.
Carrier participation and state enrollment platforms
Some insurers are exiting Marketplace coverage in parts of the country for 2027. Several states are also changing how enrollment is administered. Oregon is moving from HealthCare.gov to its own state marketplace platform. Virginia is adding state-funded subsidies. Rhode Island has allocated $19 million to provide additional premium assistance.
“If a carrier is leaving a market, the enrollee receives a notice. Those letters, and any notice from the Marketplace, describe what is changing for the next plan year.” — DeBrabander
Premium is one part of annual cost
Plan comparison for 2027 should include the deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, provider network, and formulary, not only the monthly premium. A lower premium paired with a high deductible can result in higher total spending if a household expects surgery, hospital care, or ongoing treatment. Network and drug lists also reset with the plan year and should be checked against current doctors and prescriptions.
Medicare enrollment follows a separate calendar
Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026. That window is independent of Marketplace open enrollment. People who are enrolled in Medicare, or who are helping a parent enroll, should treat the December 7 deadline as the relevant date for Medicare Advantage and Part D changes.
Steps before the enrollment window
Consumers heading into the 2027 plan year can prepare by doing the following:
- Update the household income estimate used for subsidy calculations before shopping, not after selecting a plan.
- Compare at least three plans using estimated total yearly cost, not premium alone.
- Confirm that current doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions are covered under the 2027 plan.
- Enroll or change plans by December 15, 2026, for coverage that starts January 1, 2027.
- Use a licensed agent or a certified Marketplace navigator. Do not allow anyone to complete an enrollment without signed consent.
Free, certified enrollment assistance is available at HealthCare.gov and through licensed health insurance agents and certified Marketplace navigators.
About Estes Health Solutions
Estes Health Solutions is a health coverage advisory practice founded by Jack DeBrabander. DeBrabander is a licensed insurance agent affiliated with Compass Health Consultants. The firm works with individuals, families, and small businesses on Marketplace, Medicare, and related coverage decisions.
Contact Info:
Name: Jack DeBrabander
Email: Send Email
Organization: Estes Health Solutions
Phone: (734) 536-9414
Website: http://www.esteshealthsolutions.com
Release ID: 89204883
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