Here's What You Need to Know
If you have a health plan through the ACA Marketplace, your renewal or enrollment window is getting shorter for the 2027 plan year. The sign-up period now ends in December, and the old February start date is going away. Read on for what changed and why it matters for you.
The Enrollment Window is Shorter
For the last few years, most people had until January 15 to enroll or renew in a Marketplace plan. Starting in 2026, open enrollment will end one month earlier, on
December 15 in many states. In most states, sign-ups still open on November 1, 2026.
Two states start even earlier. In Idaho, open enrollment begins on October 15, and in Georgia it begins on October 19.
Enrollment Periods at a Glance
Here's the national schedule for states that use HealthCare.gov, which covers most of the country:
Enrollment Start: November 1, 2026
Enrollment End: December 15, 2026
Coverage starts: January 1, 2027
Known Enrollment Timeframes for Some State-Run Exchanges
Some states run their own exchanges and set their own deadlines. State-run exchanges can extend enrollment later than December 15, but not past December 31. Here are the 2026 ranges announced so far (for 2027 coverage).
Dates can still change, so confirm with your state's marketplace before you enroll.
States starting early:
Idaho: Oct 15 – Dec 15, 2026
Georgia: Oct 19 – Dec 15, 2026
Extended deadlines:
Nov 1 – Dec 23, 2026: Massachusetts
Nov 1 – Dec 31, 2026: CA, CO, CT, KY, MD, MN, NV, NM, OR, RI, VA, WA
If your state is not listed here, you likely follow the national schedule above, with a November 1 to December 15 window.
No More February 1 Start Date
In past years, if you signed up after mid-December, your coverage started February 1. That option is going away. All plans selected during open enrollment will take effect on January 1.
What You Can Do Now
Mark your calendar for November 1, 2026. Know your state's exact deadline. And if you have questions about your plan or your options, we are here to help. Acting early gives you time to compare and helps you avoid a coverage gap.
