ACA Open Enrollment for 2027 in Texas: pick by Dec 15 for Jan 1

Texas uses the federal Marketplace at HealthCare.gov, so the federal schedule applies here.

November 1, 2026: Open Enrollment begins.

December 15, 2026: Last day to pick a plan for coverage that starts January 1, 2027.

January 15, 2027: Open Enrollment ends. Plans picked from December 16 through January 15 start February 1, 2027.

Coverage starts only after you pay your first premium, so leave time for that step too. After January 15, you can generally enroll or change plans only if you have a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, moving, getting married or having a baby. That's called a Special Enrollment Period.

The simplest goal: have your plan picked by December 15. That way there's no gap in January, and you aren't making a rushed decision during the holidays.

If you have Marketplace coverage now and do nothing, you may be automatically re-enrolled for 2027. That sounds convenient, but it can leave you with surprises in January.

Your plan can change. Premiums, deductibles, copays and the list of covered doctors and drugs can all change from one year to the next. In some cases a plan is discontinued and you're moved to a different one.

Your financial help can change. The premium tax credit that lowers your monthly payment is based on your estimated household income for 2027. If your income, household size or job situation changed, or if you don't update your application, the amount you receive may not match what you actually qualify for. That can mean paying more each month than you need to, or owing money back at tax time.

Your needs may have changed. A new diagnosis, a new prescription, a baby on the way or a planned surgery can make a different plan a better fit.

Log in, update your application and look at your options before December 15, even if you end up keeping the same plan.

Plans on the Marketplace come in metal levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold and, in some areas, Platinum). The level tells you how costs are split between you and the plan, not the quality of care. Here's what I'd look at for any plan you're considering.

1. Your doctors. Look up each doctor, specialist and hospital you want to keep, in the specific plan you're considering. A doctor who takes one plan from an insurance company may not take every plan that company sells.

2. Your prescriptions. Check each medication on the plan's drug list, and note which tier it falls in. The tier often decides what you pay at the pharmacy.

3. The total cost, not just the premium. Add up twelve months of premiums plus what you'd realistically pay in a typical year and in a bad year. A low premium with a high deductible can work well for some people and poorly for others.

4. The out-of-pocket maximum. This is the most you'd pay for covered care in a year. It's your worst-case number, and it's worth knowing before you need it.

5. Silver plans and extra help. If your income is within certain limits, Silver plans can come with lower deductibles and copays, in addition to the premium tax credit. If you might qualify, compare Silver plans carefully before you settle on Bronze.

6. HSA eligibility. Some plans are HSA-eligible, which lets you set aside pre-tax money for medical costs. If that matters to you, filter for it.

Self-employed people and small-business owners whose income moves around. Your estimate drives your financial help, so make it as realistic as you can and update it during the year if things change.

Families with a change coming, such as a new baby, a child turning 26 or a move.

People leaving a job or retiring early who need coverage to bridge the gap.

Anyone who was automatically re-enrolled last year and hasn't looked at their plan since.

Choosing a plan is a lot easier with someone who will sit down with you, look at your doctors, prescriptions and budget, and explain the trade-offs in plain language. That's what I do for individuals and families in The Woodlands, Houston and surrounding communities. You can read more about how I work with individuals and families on the Individuals page.

There's no fee to you for my help; carriers pay my commission. If you'd like to talk it through before December 15, send me a note or call (713) 725-7413.