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Who the Marketplace is for
- People who are self-employed, between jobs or work part-time
- Employees whose job-based cover isn’t considered affordable or doesn’t meet minimum value
- Early retirees not yet eligible for Medicare
- Young adults who are aging off a parent’s plan at 26
You must live in the U.S. and be a citizen or lawfully present. People eligible for Medicare generally don’t use the Marketplace. In 2026, 23.1 million people enrolled, and 46% had incomes between 100% and 150% of the federal poverty level.
Open enrollment dates for 2027 coverage
| Where you live | Open enrollment |
|---|---|
| States using HealthCare.gov | Nov 1, 2026 – Jan 15, 2027 (by Dec 15 for Jan 1 start; by Jan 15 for Feb 1 start) |
| Idaho | Ends Dec 15, 2026 |
| Rhode Island | Ends Dec 31, 2026 |
| Massachusetts | Ends Jan 23, 2027 |
| Virginia | Ends Jan 29, 2027 |
| California, D.C., New Jersey, New York | End Jan 31, 2027 |
Source: Healthcare Insider (updated Sept 2026). A federal rule that would have ended open enrollment by December 31 was vacated by a court in June 2026; the ruling is under appeal, so check your marketplace for the latest dates.
Metal tiers
| Tier | Plan pays on average | Premiums | Out-of-pocket costs | 2026 share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | ~60% | Lowest | Highest | 40% |
| Silver | ~70% | Moderate | Moderate (lower with cost-sharing reductions) | 43% |
| Gold | ~80% | Higher | Lower | 17% |
| Platinum | ~90% | Highest | Lowest | Limited availability |
Enrollment shares: CMS (March 2026).
All tiers cover the same essential health benefits; they differ in how costs are shared. Catastrophic plans are available to people under 30 or with a hardship exemption. Bronze and catastrophic plans can now be paired with a health savings account.
Silver matters if your income is low: if your household income is up to 250% of the poverty level, you can get cost-sharing reductions that lower your deductible and copays, but only on a Silver plan. See our subsidies guide.
What’s different in 2027
- The enhanced premium tax credits ended after 2025, so the “subsidy cliff” at 400% of the poverty level is back.
- Insurers proposed a median increase of about 15% for 2027.
- The out-of-pocket maximum rises to $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for families.
- The special enrollment period that let low-income people enroll year-round has ended.
- From tax year 2026, there’s no cap on repaying excess advance subsidies at tax time, so report income changes promptly.
Special enrollment periods
Outside open enrollment, you can sign up only after a qualifying life event, usually within 60 days. Common events include losing other health cover (including job-based cover or Medicaid), moving to a new area, marriage, having or adopting a child, and gaining citizenship or lawful status. Leaving a job? Compare a Marketplace plan with COBRA before deciding.
How to enroll, step by step
- Estimate your 2027 household income. Your subsidy depends on it.
- Gather documents: Social Security numbers, income records, employer cover information and current policy numbers.
- Go to HealthCare.gov or your state’s marketplace and create or update your application, even if you’re re-enrolling, so your subsidy is recalculated.
- Compare plans by total cost, network and drug coverage; see our guide to choosing a plan.
- Pay your first premium to activate cover.
Free help is available from trained navigators, listed on HealthCare.gov. Be wary of websites and callers that look official but sell non-ACA plans; see short-term health insurance.
Frequently asked questions
When is open enrollment for 2027?
November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov. Some state marketplaces end earlier or later.
Can I buy Marketplace insurance outside open enrollment?
Only with a qualifying life event, such as losing other cover, moving, marriage or a new child, usually within 60 days.
What’s the difference between Bronze, Silver and Gold plans?
How costs are shared. Bronze has the lowest premiums and highest out-of-pocket costs; Gold the reverse. Coverage of essential benefits is the same.
Do I need to re-enroll every year?
You may be auto-renewed, but updating your application ensures your subsidy reflects current income and lets you compare new plans and prices.
Can I get Marketplace insurance if my employer offers coverage?
Yes, but you won’t get a subsidy if your employer’s plan is considered affordable and meets minimum value.
Sources
- Healthcare Insider – Marketplace deadlines for 2027 coverage (Sept 2026)
- healthinsurance.org – Open enrollment for 2027
- BenefitChamps – What changed for 2027 open enrollment (Sept 2026)
- Undue Medical Debt – ACA Marketplace changes for 2027
- CMS – 23.1 million enroll in 2026 Marketplace coverage (Mar 2026)
- healthinsurance.org – Cost-sharing reductions
- HealthCare.gov – Pre-existing conditions
- Fierce Healthcare – Preliminary 2027 ACA rate filings (Aug 2026)
Insurance prices, discounts and rules change often and vary by state. Figures were checked in October 2026; confirm details with the insurer or your state insurance department.