Texas ACA Open Enrollment 2027: Key Dates & Deadlines

Texas ACA Open Enrollment 2027: Key Dates & Deadlines

Texas has one of the largest ACA Marketplace populations in the country. Nearly 4.2 million Texans selected Marketplace plans during Open Enrollment for 2026 coverage, according to HealthInsurance.org. If you are shopping for 2027 coverage, the calendar below shows the dates that matter most.

2027 Open Enrollment Calendar for Texas

Texas uses the federal Marketplace at HealthCare.gov, so federal dates apply. Per HealthCare.gov:

Did the Shortened Enrollment Period Take Effect?

No. A federal rule that would have shortened Open Enrollment was vacated by a judge, and HealthInsurance.org reports it is not taking effect in fall 2026. Plan on the full November 1 through January 15 window, but treat December 15 as your target to avoid a gap in January.

What If You Miss the Deadline?

After January 15, you can enroll or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. HealthCare.gov notes that between January 16 and October 31, you can get Marketplace coverage if you qualify, with life events such as moving, losing other coverage, getting married, or having a baby. Medicaid and CHIP applications are accepted at any time. HealthInsurance.org does not identify any Texas-specific state special enrollment periods.

Texas Medicaid and the Coverage Gap

Texas has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA. According to KFF, Texas had the nation’s lowest Medicaid eligibility threshold for parents at 15% of the Federal Poverty Level. HealthInsurance.org estimates about 605,000 Texans fall in the coverage gap: income below the poverty level, no Medicaid eligibility, and no Marketplace subsidies.

What to Know About Costs for 2027

• Subsidy eligibility: Premium tax credits are available to households with income between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, according to HealthCare.gov.
• Enhanced subsidies expired: The enhanced credits that applied from 2021 through 2025 ended at the end of 2025, so many households pay more than they did before.
• Update your income: Re-estimate your expected 2027 income during Open Enrollment, since credits are based on that estimate.

Your Pre-Enrollment Checklist

1. Gather household details. Have your household members, expected 2027 income, and any current plan information ready before you apply.
2. Preview 2027 plans. HealthCare.gov makes 2027 plans and prices available to preview shortly before Open Enrollment begins on November 1.
3. Review auto-renewal. If you already have coverage, the Marketplace may automatically re-enroll you, but the renewed plan can change in price or benefits, so compare options.
4. Pay your first premium. Coverage does not start until the first premium is paid.

Get Help Before the Deadline

A licensed agent can compare Texas plans, estimate your savings, and help you enroll before December 15 at no extra cost to you. Start with HealthSherpa, or call (212) 804-6730 to speak with a licensed agent today.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute insurance, legal, or financial advice. This site and its agents are not affiliated with or endorsed by the federal government, HealthCare.gov, or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Eligibility rules, deadlines, and subsidy structures are subject to change — always verify current details at HealthCare.gov or CMS.gov. This content is provided by a licensed agent affiliated with Flatbush Insurance Brokerage.