Enrollment for 2027 coverage begins on November 1. The deadline to obtain coverage starting in January ends on December 15, and financial assistance has new conditions.
October 27, 2026.
The 2027 open enrollment period for Obamacare will begin on Sunday, November 1, 2026 in Texas. The process will allow individuals and families to purchase, renew, or change health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace on HealthCare.gov, used in Houston, Harris County, and the rest of the state.
The federal calendar establishes two key dates: December 15, 2026 to obtain coverage starting January 1 and January 15, 2027 as the last day of ordinary enrollment. Coverage does not take effect until the first premium is paid to the insurer, according to its instructions.
Enrollment begins November 1 and ends January 15
The HealthCare.gov open enrollment calendar sets the following dates for 2027 plans:
- November 1, 2026: enrollment opens to contract, renew, or change a Marketplace plan.
- December 15, 2026: last day to select a plan whose coverage begins on January 1, 2027.
- January 1, 2027: coverage begins for plans selected within the first window, provided the payment requirement is met.
- January 15, 2027: ends the ordinary enrollment period.
- February 1, 2027: coverage begins for plans selected between December 16 and January 15, subject to the initial payment.
Outside that period, certain life changes, such as losing other insurance, moving, getting married, or having a child, could allow a special enrollment. Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) maintain year-round application processes.
The expanded subsidies ended and 2027 costs must be reviewed
The expanded premium tax credits that reduced Marketplace monthly premiums expired on December 31, 2025 and had not been renewed as of October 27, 2026. The ordinary premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act remain available to applicants who qualify.
The financial help depends on factors such as estimated household income, the number of members, and eligibility rules. In general, the ordinary premium tax credit is targeted at households with incomes between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level, subject to other conditions and exceptions provided by law.
Changes can modify the amount a family pays monthly, even if they keep the same insurer. The premium someone paid in 2026 does not determine how much their coverage will cost in 2027.
HealthCare.gov indicates that 2027-specific income and savings estimates will be available starting on November 1. Before that date, its tools may show references to 2026, but those figures should not be treated as final quotes for the new year.
The federal income and savings tool allows estimating the available assistance based on household information. The prices applicable to each applicant are determined by the Marketplace application and the plans offered for your ZIP code.
In 2027 subsidies change for some lawfully present immigrants
A federal change effective on January 1, 2027 restricts Marketplace financial assistance for certain immigrants. Eligibility to purchase a plan and eligibility to receive subsidies are separate conditions.
According to HealthCare.gov’s immigration eligibility rules, starting in 2027 the categories of immigrants who will be able to receive Marketplace assistance, provided they meet the other requirements, will be:
- Legal permanent residents: holders of a Green Card.
- Cuban or Haitian entrants: individuals within the federal immigration classification Cuban or Haitian entrant.
- Migrants covered by the Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau: people included under COFA with these islands.
Other immigrants with lawful presence, including some refugees, asylees, and visa holders, could still be eligible to purchase Marketplace coverage, but without receiving tax credits to lower the cost. Conditions depend on the specific immigration classification and the rules in effect.
The Marketplace application determines eligibility for coverage and financial assistance based on the information provided. Having an eligible immigration status to purchase a policy does not guarantee subsidies.
The plan comparison includes premiums, deductibles, and network physicians
Marketplace plans are typically organized into Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum categories, according to availability. These categories mainly describe how medical costs are distributed between the insurer and the patient; they do not represent a ranking of the quality of care.
Bronze plans generally have lower monthly premiums and higher out-of-pocket costs when using medical services. Gold plans tend to have higher premiums and lower cost-sharing. Some applicants may also receive additional reductions in deductibles and copayments by selecting a Silver plan if they meet the requirements.
The option comparison in Houston and surrounding areas should include:
- Monthly premium: the ongoing payment required to keep the insurance active.
- Deductible: the amount that must be paid for certain services before the plan begins to pay its share.
- Copays and coinsurance: the costs paid when receiving care.
- Annual out-of-pocket maximum: the limit for covered services under the plan, excluding premiums.
- Provider network: hospitals, clinics, specialists, and doctors included in the plan.
- Drugs: coverage, restrictions, and prices of commonly used prescriptions.
The Marketplace cost calculator helps evaluate estimated annual spending, not just the monthly premium. The availability of each insurer and network depends on the applicant’s location.
Enrollment requires residence and household data for 2027
To enroll in a Health Insurance Marketplace plan you must reside in the United States, be a U.S. citizen or national, or have an eligible immigration status, and not be incarcerated. People who already have Medicare coverage cannot enroll in a Marketplace plan.
An employer-sponsored health plan can also affect the available assistance. When the employer plan meets federal coverage standards and is considered affordable under the applicable rules, you generally do not qualify for premium tax credits to purchase another plan through HealthCare.gov.
The evaluation of employer-provided insurance distinguishes between coverage available for the worker and for family members. Subsidy eligibility may differ for each household member.
Enrollment is mainly conducted on HealthCare.gov, where you can create an account or sign in to an existing one, complete the application, learn eligibility results, and select a plan.
The application requires information about residence, household members, anticipated 2027 income, and employer-provided or other coverage. In certain situations it may also request documents to verify identity, income, citizenship, or immigration status.
Premium tax credits are calculated using the estimated household income for the coverage year. If employment, income, residence, or household members change during 2027, the information must be updated in the Marketplace. An incorrect estimate can modify the assistance received and lead to adjustments when filing the federal tax return.
Current enrollees can also renew or change their plan. Although some are automatically reenrolled, premiums, networks, benefits, and aid can change from year to year. Reviewing the application and available options helps identify these differences before December 15.
Houston has assistance to complete enrollment in Spanish
The Health Insurance Marketplace Help Center serves at 1-800-318-2596, with free Spanish interpretation. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except on certain holidays.
HealthCare.gov maintains a local assistance locator by city or ZIP code to locate trained counselors, support organizations, and authorized agents in Houston and other Texas communities.
In Houston, Legacy Community Health has eligibility specialists who guide options for coverage, assistance programs, and low-cost care. Appointments with these specialists can be requested at 832-548-5223. Availability of specific guidance for Marketplace enrollment should be confirmed directly with the organization.
The Marketplace enrollment is different from Medicare, whose schedule and requirements are separate. It is also distinct from Harris Health’s Financial Assistance Program, which helps reduce care costs within its system but is not health insurance.
Related: Harris Health financial assistance: requirements, documents, and how to apply.
The ordinary period to obtain a Marketplace health insurance with 2027 coverage will end on January 15, 2027. The last day to select a plan with coverage starting on January 1 will be December 15, 2026.
