Reviewed by BeneHub's licensed advisor team · Agency NPN 21324782 · Updated October 2026
The dates that matter
- November 1, 2026: open enrollment starts on HealthCare.gov.
- December 15, 2026: enroll by this date for coverage starting January 1, 2027.
- January 15, 2027: last day to enroll for coverage starting February 1 in most states.
Why 2027 prices look higher
Two changes stack up. Insurers raised base rates, and the enhanced tax credits expired after 2025.
Households above 400% of the poverty level now get no subsidy. Many others pay a larger share of income.
Don't let auto-renewal decide for you
If you do nothing, most exchanges re-enroll you in the same or a similar plan. Your 2027 price may be very different from 2026.
- Log in and read your 2027 eligibility notice.
- Update your expected 2027 income.
- Compare at least three plans, including a different metal level.
- Check that your doctors are still in network.
Private plans can start any month
Private underwritten plans are sold outside the exchange. They aren't tied to open enrollment, so coverage can begin in any month after approval.
That's useful if you miss December 15, change jobs mid-year, or want to compare after seeing your exchange price.
A simple plan for November
- Week 1: run your numbers in our ACA vs private calculator.
- Week 2: see the private options in your state.
- By December 15: pick the better deal and enroll.
Special enrollment outside the window
Missed open enrollment? Losing other coverage, moving, marriage or a new baby can open a 60-day special enrollment period on the exchange.
Without one, private plans may be your main option until next November.
What to compare beyond the premium
The lowest monthly price isn't always the cheapest year. A plan with a $9,000 deductible can cost more than a higher-premium plan if you need care.
For each plan you're weighing, add up 12 months of premiums plus what you'd pay in a typical year of doctor visits and prescriptions.
- Deductible and out-of-pocket maximum
- Network type: HMO, EPO or PPO
- Drug coverage for anything you take regularly
- Whether your nearest hospital is in network
Who should look beyond the exchange this year
The exchange is still the right home for many people. But some households will see the steepest 2027 increases and should compare.
If you're in one of these groups, run your numbers before December 15.
- Households just over 400% of the poverty level
- Adults in their 50s and early 60s with higher incomes
- Self-employed people with rising net profit
- Families who want a national PPO network
If you're switching from the exchange to private
Timing matters. Apply for the private plan first, wait for approval, then end your exchange plan the day before the new one starts.
Report the change to the exchange so any advance subsidy stops. Otherwise you may have to repay it at tax time.
- Keep your approval letter and new ID card
- Cancel exchange coverage with the correct end date
- Update your income on the exchange if you return later
Who this is NOT for
- Anyone happy with a well-subsidized exchange plan
- People with serious health conditions who need guaranteed acceptance
- Medicare-eligible adults — Medicare has its own enrollment periods
- Anyone who qualifies for Medicaid or CHIP