When Is Open Enrollment for 2027 Health Coverage?

What is Open Enrollment?

Open Enrollment is the annual period when you can enroll in a health insurance plan for 2027.

During this time, you can apply for new coverage, renew your current plan, or make changes to an existing plan.

Keep in mind, outside of Open Enrollment, you can't enroll or change your health plan unless you have a qualifying life event.

When does 2026 Open Enrollment start and end?

For most people, Open Enrollment begins on November 1, 2026, and ends on January 15, 2027.

• Enroll by December 15, 2026 to have coverage start January 1, 2027.
• Enroll after that (through Jan 15, 2027) and coverage will start February 1, 2027 instead.

Best to shop and pick a plan early to avoid missing an important deadline.

If you live in one of these states, your Open Enrollment starts earlier:

• Idaho (Your Health ID): Oct 15, 2026 – Dec 15, 2026 (both starts early and ends early — enroll by Dec 15 for Jan 1, 2027 coverage)
• Connecticut (Access Health CT): Oct 23, 2026 – Dec 23, 2026
• Massachusetts (MA Health Connector): Oct 23, 2026 – [end date to confirm]

A few states may offer extra time beyond January 15, 2027 — we're confirming exact dates for: California, DC, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Georgia. Don't rely on an extended deadline in your state until we've confirmed it — enroll by Dec 15, 2026 if you can, to be safe.

What if I miss the Open Enrollment period?

If you miss Open Enrollment, you can only get coverage if you have a qualifying life event — such as getting married, losing other health coverage, or being offered an ICHRA (like through StretchDollar!). If you miss Open Enrollment, please reach out to us to understand your enrollment options.