2027 Open Enrollment & Special Enrollment Periods: Key Dates and Information

Open Enrollment for 2027 Coverage

For individual and family health plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace (HealthCare.gov), Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs from November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027.

• November 1, 2026: Open Enrollment starts. You can enroll in, renew, or change your plan for 2027.

• December 15, 2026: Last day to enroll or change plans for coverage that starts January 1, 2027.

• January 15, 2027: Open Enrollment ends. If you enroll between December 16 and January 15, coverage starts February 1, 2027.

For Medicare, the Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7, 2026. Changes you make take effect January 1, 2027.

See the official dates at HealthCare.gov and Medicare.gov. For help choosing a plan, reach out to one of our agents.

Special Enrollment Period Eligibility

To be eligible for the Special Enrollment Period, you must have experienced a significant life event. Typically, you need to apply within 60 days before or after the event.

Additionally, if you qualify for Medicaid or CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), you can apply for those benefits at any time by visiting https://ncmedicaidplans.gov/en.

Common Life Events That Qualify for Special Enrollment

• Having or Adopting a Child If you or someone in your household has had or adopted a child, you may be eligible for the Special Enrollment Period. The same applies if you’ve placed a child in foster care.

• Getting Married If you recently got married, you could apply for health insurance during the Special Enrollment Period. One of the partners must have had minimum essential coverage before marriage.

• Legal Separation or Divorce If a legal separation or divorce impacts your health insurance, you may qualify for the Special Enrollment Period.

What if You Don’t Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period?

If you missed Open Enrollment and don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can still explore short-term health insurance options. Contact Health Plans of NC for assistance.