ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment Runs November 1–December 15; Premium Caps Rise
The 2027 ACA Marketplace open enrollment period begins November 1, 2026, with an accelerated deadline of December 15 for January 1 coverage—shorter than prior years. Premiums are rising again, and out-of-pocket caps increase to $12,000, affecting individuals buying their own coverage.
The ACA open enrollment period for 2027 coverage will run from November 1 through December 15, 2026, across the federal Healthcare.gov platform and most state-based marketplaces. This is a shorter window than previous years, which extended through mid-January.
Key Dates and Premium Changes
- December 15, 2026 is the universal deadline to enroll for January 1, 2027 coverage across all marketplaces
- Maximum out-of-pocket expenses rise to $12,000 in 2027 (from $10,600 in 2026)
- Early rate filings suggest another high single-digit premium increase for 2027
- Window-shopping begins October 15, allowing plan comparisons before formal enrollment
Recent history shows marketplace premiums jumped 26% on average for 2026—the steepest rise in a decade—after enhanced federal subsidies expired at the end of 2025. This year, individuals shopping during open enrollment should actively compare plans rather than auto-renewing, as provider networks and drug formularies change annually and may offer significantly different costs despite identical plan names.
If you are a foreign student, H-1B worker, or immigrant on a visa with lawful presence status and buying your own health insurance, mark December 15 on your calendar and log into Healthcare.gov or your state exchange in early November. Don't wait until the last minute to discover plan availability or subsidy changes that may affect your share of premiums.
Sources
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