Health
ACA Open Enrollment 2027: Dates, Subsidy Cliff and Income Limits
Short answer
ACA open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027; enroll by December 15 for a January 1 start. The enhanced subsidies ended after 2025, so credits stop at 400% of the poverty level, or about $63,840 for a single person and $132,000 for a family of four.
Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Before Nov. 1 | Window shopping with 2027 plans and prices |
| November 1, 2026 | Open enrollment begins (HealthCare.gov) |
| December 15, 2026 | Last day to pick a plan for coverage starting January 1, 2027 |
| January 15, 2027 | Federal open enrollment ends (later coverage starts February 1) |
| Some states | Deadlines extend to late January (Massachusetts, Virginia, California, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and D.C. have their own dates) |
The subsidy cliff is back
From 2021 through 2025 enhanced credits removed the income ceiling and capped benchmark-plan cost at a share of income. That enhancement has expired. Under the standard rules, you qualify for a premium tax credit if your household income is between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level, and one dollar over the line can cost you the whole credit.
Coverage-year credits use the poverty guidelines from the previous year, so for 2027 plans the relevant guidelines are the 2026 ones (48 contiguous states and D.C.):
| Household size | 100% FPL | 400% FPL (credit limit) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $132,000 |
Alaska and Hawaii use higher guidelines.
How to stay under the line
Income is modified adjusted gross income, which you can lower with:
- Pre-tax 401(k) contributions (limit $24,500 for 2026).
- HSA contributions ($4,400 self-only, $8,750 family) if you are in an HSA-eligible plan.
- Traditional IRA deductions (limit $7,500, subject to phase-outs).
Self-employed readers should also read the self-employment tax page because deductible half of SE tax and the health insurance deduction reduce MAGI too. Reconcile the credit on Form 8962 when you file; if you take the advance credit and your income ends up above 400%, you may repay all of it.
Bronze plans and HSAs
Since January 1, 2026, bronze and catastrophic marketplace plans count as HSA-eligible. For people who rarely use care, pairing a bronze plan with an HSA is now allowed. See the HSA guide.
Checklist
- Update your income estimate in your marketplace account before you pick a plan.
- Compare the plan’s deductible and out-of-pocket maximum, not only the premium.
- Confirm your doctors and prescriptions are covered.
- Check whether adding an HSA contribution or a retirement deduction keeps you under the 400% line.
- Keep an eye on the cost of an employer or COBRA plan if you are leaving a job.
For general information only. CalcWyse is not a medical provider. Talk to a doctor or registered dietitian before changing your diet, exercise or treatment.
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