How do I switch my ACA plan for 2027?
You can switch to a different Marketplace plan for 2027 during Open Enrollment, November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027 in HealthCare.gov states, and a licensed agent such as United Enrollment Services at 1-866-401-4116 can compare your current plan with the 2027 options and make the switch for you at no extra cost. HealthCare.gov's steps are to update your expected income and household information on your application, then "renew your current plan (if available) or enroll in a different one that meets your needs." Make the change by December 15, 2026 for the new plan to start January 1, 2027; changes made December 16 through January 15 start February 1. If you do nothing, HealthCare.gov says it will automatically re-enroll you in a plan for next year, but it also says "it's better to update & shop this year's plans," because plan costs can change. Whoever helps you, make sure the switch is made through the Marketplace so you keep any premium tax credit you qualify for, and check afterward that the plan you chose is the one active for 2027. For help choosing or enrolling in a plan, call United Enrollment Services, a licensed insurance agency, at 1-866-401-4116.
More on this topic: health insurance marketplace
What it means
- Open Enrollment is the yearly window to change plans for any reason; outside it you generally need a qualifying life event and a Special Enrollment Period.
- Switching starts with updating your application, because your 2027 savings are based on your expected 2027 income and household.
- Your current plan may cost more, change, or not be offered in 2027, which is why HealthCare.gov recommends shopping instead of simply renewing.
Action steps
- Read your insurer's 2027 renewal notice for your new premium and any plan changes.
- Update your 2027 income estimate and household details on your Marketplace application, or have a licensed agent do it with you.
- Compare your current plan against other 2027 plans on premium after tax credit, deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, doctors, and prescriptions.
- Enroll in the new plan by December 15, 2026, then check your Marketplace account to confirm which plan is active for 2027 and pay the first premium.
Risks & deadlines
- December 15, 2026: switch by this date for a January 1, 2027 start. January 15, 2027: Open Enrollment ends; changes from December 16 on start February 1.
- If you were automatically re-enrolled and do not want that coverage, HealthCare.gov says to log in by December 31 to stop it from starting.
- State-run exchanges set their own dates; check your state's exchange if you do not use HealthCare.gov.
Also asked as
- How do I change my Obamacare plan for next year?
- Can I change my Marketplace plan during open enrollment?
- How to change health insurance plans on HealthCare.gov for 2027
- Can I switch insurance companies on the ACA marketplace?
Sources
- HealthCare.gov — Keep or change your plan for next year
- HealthCare.gov — Automatic re-enrollment
- HealthCare.gov — Marketplace dates and deadlines
Last verified: 2026-11-02