Enrolling in 2027 ACA Health Insurance

When Is ACA health insurance Open Enrollment for 2027?

Open Enrollment typically runs from November 1 to January 15 each year, although the exact dates may vary by state. Knowing your state’s open enrollment timeline can help you be better prepared when enrollment begins.

The table below displays the 2027 open enrollment dates for the 14 states where Anthem offers Individual and Family Marketplace coverage.

When comparing plans, look beyond the monthly premium. Consider the deductible, copays, coinsurance, and annual out-of-pocket maximum to understand the total cost of coverage.

How can I save money on Marketplace health plans?

You may be able to lower the cost of Marketplace health coverage by choosing a plan that fits your healthcare needs and budget and, if you qualify, taking advantage of available financial help.

Marketplace plans are available in different metal levels, each offering a different balance of monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs so you can choose the option that's right for you.

If you qualify, you may be eligible for financial help through the Marketplace to help make coverage more affordable. Eligibility is based on factors such as your household income and size, and the cost of available plans where you live.

There are two main types of financial help:

• Advanced premium tax credits (APTCs): Help lower your monthly premium by applying the tax credit directly to the cost of your health plan
• Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs): Help lower your deductible, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum if you qualify and enroll in a Silver-level Marketplace plan

If you're eligible for both APTCs and CSRs, you could significantly reduce both your monthly premium and the amount you pay when you receive healthcare.

Why get health insurance through the Marketplace?

Enrolling in health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace offers several benefits, including:

• Coverage options for different budgets: Marketplace plans are available at a variety of price points, making it easier to find coverage that fits your healthcare needs and budget.
• Financial Help: Depending on your household income and size, you may qualify for financial help to lower your monthly premium and out-of-pocket costs.
• Coverage for Essential Health Benefits: All Marketplace plans cover the same essential health benefits, including preventive care, doctor visits, hospital care, emergency services, prescription drugs, maternity care, and mental health services.
• Easy plan comparisons: The Marketplace lets you compare plans side by side based on monthly premium, benefits, doctors in the plan’s network, and estimated out-of-pocket costs, helping you choose the coverage that’s right for you and your family.

Marketplace coverage vs. coverage purchased outside the Marketplace

You can purchase Individual and Family health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace or directly from a health insurer, but there are important differences to consider.

One difference is access to financial help when enrolling through the Marketplace. Plans purchased outside the Marketplace are not eligible for financial help, even if they offer ACA-compliant coverage.

What happens if I miss Open Enrollment?

If you miss your state’s Open Enrollment Period, you won’t be able to enroll in a Marketplace health plan until the next Open Enrollment period unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

A Special Enrollment Period allows you to enroll in or change your health coverage outside of Open Enrollment if you experience certain qualifying life events. If you meet eligibility requirements, you may also qualify for financial help to lower the cost of your Marketplace coverage.

Some of the most common qualifying life events include:

• Getting married
• Having or adopting a child
• Losing your existing health coverage, such as through job loss
• Losing eligibility for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
• Getting divorced or legally separated if it affects your health coverage
• The death of a spouse or other household member that results in the loss of health coverage

In most cases, you have 60 days before or after your qualifying life event to enroll in a Marketplace health plan. Enrolling within that time can help you avoid a gap in health coverage.