Your ACA Open Enrollment Checklist (Plan Year 2027)
Dates, documents, and the five decisions that matter most when picking a marketplace plan — plus special enrollment triggers if you can't wait.
Open enrollment for 2027 marketplace coverage runs November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027 in most states (California's window runs longer). Miss it, and you'll need a qualifying life event to enroll. Here's how to be ready.
Before you shop
Estimate next year's income honestly — subsidies are reconciled at tax time, and a lowball estimate becomes a tax bill. Gather household details (ages, ZIP, tobacco status), list your must-keep doctors and prescriptions, and check whether your current plan is being discontinued or repriced for 2027.
The five decisions
Metal tier: Bronze for low premiums and high deductibles, Silver for cost-sharing reductions if your income qualifies (often the best value), Gold when you expect real usage. Network type: HMO plans cost less but require staying in network; PPO-style plans cost more for flexibility. Then check: are your doctors in network, are your drugs on the formulary, and does the out-of-pocket maximum fit your worst-case budget?
Can't wait for open enrollment?
Losing other coverage, moving, marriage, a new child, and certain income changes trigger special enrollment periods — typically 60 days to act. If any of these just happened, start a quote now rather than waiting for November.
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