Open Enrollment 2027 Deadlines by State: Which States Give You Extra Time

Open enrollment for 2027 ACA health insurance starts November 1, 2026. On HealthCare.gov it ends January 15, 2027. A handful of states that run their own Marketplace give you more time, and one gives you less.

2027 Open Enrollment Dates: The Short Answer

• HealthCare.gov states: November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1.
• Latest deadline: January 31, 2027 in California, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Washington, D.C.
• Earliest deadline: December 15, 2026 in Idaho.

States That Extend 2027 Open Enrollment

Sources: healthinsurance.org 2027 open enrollment guide; Boston Globe, Sept. 14, 2026.

The One State With a Shorter Window

Idaho runs its own Marketplace, Your Health Idaho, on an earlier schedule. Open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs October 15 to December 15, 2026. Miss December 15 and you need a qualifying life event to sign up.

Everyone Else: November 1 to January 15

All other states, including the ones that run their own exchange (such as Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Washington), use November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. On HealthCare.gov, pick a plan by December 15 if you want coverage on January 1. Pick one between December 16 and January 15 and coverage starts February 1.

Why the Dates Didn’t Get Shorter

A 2025 federal rule would have shortened open enrollment starting with 2027 coverage, ending it December 15 on HealthCare.gov and by December 31 in state-run Marketplaces. A federal court vacated that change on June 12, 2026, and the government has appealed. For now, the standard November 1 to January 15 window applies, and states that run their own exchange can still set longer dates.

What If You Miss the Deadline?

• Qualifying life events: Losing other coverage, moving, marriage, a new baby and similar changes can open a Special Enrollment Period, usually 60 days long.
• Medicaid and CHIP: You can apply any time of year.
• Short-term plans: Some states allow short-term health insurance outside open enrollment, but it does not have to cover preexisting conditions or all essential health benefits.

Does Missing Open Enrollment Mean a Tax Penalty?

Not at the federal level. The federal penalty dropped to $0 starting in 2019. California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Washington, D.C. still have their own coverage mandates with state tax penalties.

How Open Enrollment Has Changed

• 2014 coverage: about six months (October 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014).
• 2016 and 2017 coverage: November 1 to January 31.
• 2018 to 2021 coverage: November 1 to December 15, about six weeks.
• 2022 coverage onward: November 1 to January 15 on HealthCare.gov.

Before You Enroll for 2027

Prices are changing. The enhanced premium tax credits expired after 2025, and many insurers raised 2027 rates. Some, including Cigna and Aetna, have left the Marketplace. Check whether your plan is still offered, then estimate your help with our ACA subsidy calculator or our guide on who qualifies for 2027 subsidies.