Can I enroll now?
Most people can only sign up for a marketplace plan during open enrollment, unless a life change opens a window of its own. Pick your state and anything that's happened, and you'll see where you stand today. Nothing you enter is saved or sent.
The two ways in
Open enrollment. Once a year, anyone can sign up. For 2027 coverage it runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov, and a plan picked by December 15 starts January 1. Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Nevada and Virginia run their own enrollment sites; they open November 1 too and can set later deadlines.
A special enrollment period. A life change, such as losing job-based coverage, COBRA running out, coming off a parent's plan at 26, moving, marrying or having a baby, opens a window of its own, usually 60 days. For a loss of coverage the window also opens 60 days before the coverage ends, so you can line up the new plan with no gap.
If you're self-employed and your income puts you inside the tax credit range, the marketplace is usually your most affordable route, so the window matters. If you're above that range and healthy, some underwritten private plans can be applied for any time of year. Either way, a short call with Sam Jaber sorts out which fits. See also coverage between jobs and COBRA alternatives.
Common questions
When is open enrollment for 2027 health coverage?
On HealthCare.gov it runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Pick a plan by December 15, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1. States that run their own enrollment site also open November 1 and may set later deadlines.
Can I get health insurance outside open enrollment?
Yes, if a qualifying life event gives you a special enrollment period. Losing coverage, moving, marrying and having or adopting a child are the common ones, and the window is usually 60 days.
Does dropping COBRA let me enroll in a new plan?
Only when COBRA runs out or stops being available. Cancelling it early by choice, or simply stopping payments, does not open a special enrollment period.
Also try: the coverage cost estimator.