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Texas open enrollment for 2027 health plans runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027, on HealthCare.gov. Pick a plan by December 15, 2026 if you want it to start January 1. Plans picked after that start February 1, 2027.
| Texas 2027 open enrollment | Date |
|---|---|
| Open enrollment opens | November 1, 2026 |
| Last day to pick a plan that starts January 1, 2027 | December 15, 2026 |
| Open enrollment closes | January 15, 2027 |
| Plans picked after December 15 | Start February 1, 2027 |
These are the HealthCare.gov dates CMS confirmed in August 2026 (source).
What open enrollment is
Open enrollment is the once-a-year window to buy or change an ACA health insurance plan (often called Obamacare) on HealthCare.gov. It's also when you can apply for a tax credit that lowers the monthly cost. Outside the window, you can only sign up if a life event, like losing other coverage, moving or having a baby, opens a special enrollment period.
What's different in Texas this year
Baylor Scott & White and Cigna are leaving the Texas Marketplace at the end of 2026, so their members must choose a new plan for 2027 (source).
Texas uses HealthCare.gov. A federal court ruling in June 2026 stopped a rule that would have ended open enrollment on December 15, so the January 15 end date stays for 2027 (source).
Texas hasn't expanded Medicaid. Adults with income below the poverty line can fall into a gap: too little income for a tax credit, and no Medicaid (source). Children may still qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, so check before you pay for anything.
Five things to do before December 15
- Read your renewal notice. If you do nothing you may be renewed into the same or a similar plan, at a new price.
- Update your income. Your tax credit is based on your income estimate. If it's too low, you may have to pay some or all of the extra credit back at tax time.
- Check your doctors and prescriptions. Networks and drug lists change every year.
- Compare the whole year, not just the monthly price. Add the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum to see your worst-case year.
- Get free help if you need it. HealthCare.gov has certified helpers, and a licensed agent can explain plans. We don't sell insurance.
Options that don't wait for open enrollment
| Option | When you can start | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Marketplace plan | Open enrollment, or a special enrollment period | Insurance. Covers pre-existing conditions. A tax credit may lower the cost, depending on income. |
| Texas Medicaid or CHIP | Any month | Free or low cost if you qualify. Check before you pay for anything. |
| Health sharing | The first of any month | Not insurance. Members share large medical bills under the guidelines. Limits for pre-existing conditions. |
| Direct primary care | Any time | A flat monthly fee for everyday doctor care. Not insurance. |
| Dental and vision savings plans | Any month | Discounts at participating providers. Not insurance. |
When a Marketplace plan is likely the better choice
- Your tax credit is large. At lower and middle incomes, a subsidized Marketplace plan can cost less than any alternative. Check at HealthCare.gov.
- You may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. Texas didn't expand Medicaid, so adults without children don't qualify, but children, pregnant women and some very-low-income parents and disabled adults do. Check before paying for anything.
- Someone has a serious ongoing condition. Health sharing shares nothing for pre-existing conditions in year one. Insurance must cover them.
- A baby is on the way, or planned. Maternity is shareable only when the due date is at least nine months after you join.
- You need regular therapy. Counseling is capped at $750 a year.
- You want a guarantee. Sharing is voluntary. If you need a contract that has to pay, buy insurance.
Where we fit
If your Marketplace price is high, for example because your income is above the range where tax credits help much, open enrollment is a good time to compare it with the alternatives. We'll show you what direct primary care plus health sharing would cost your household, side by side with the price you see on HealthCare.gov. See what it costs, or read what to do if you miss open enrollment.
Common questions
When is open enrollment in Texas for 2027?
Texas open enrollment for 2027 health plans runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027, on HealthCare.gov. Pick a plan by December 15, 2026 if you want it to start January 1. Plans picked after that start February 1, 2027.
What if I miss the December 15 deadline?
You can still enroll until January 15, 2027; your plan just starts February 1. After January 15, you need a special enrollment period.
Do I have to do anything if I already have a plan?
You may be renewed automatically, but your price, tax credit, doctors or even your insurer can change. Log in to HealthCare.gov, update your income and compare before the deadline.
Can I join health sharing or direct primary care during open enrollment?
Yes, but you don't have to wait for it. Health sharing can start on the first of any month, and a primary care membership can start any time. Neither is insurance.
Do you sell Marketplace plans?
No. Affordable Healthcare Texas isn't an insurance agency. For a Marketplace plan, use HealthCare.gov or a licensed agent. We help you compare the alternatives.
Sources
- CMS statement: open enrollment on the federal Marketplace runs Nov 1, 2026 to Jan 15, 2027 (CMS, Aug 4, 2026)
- Texas Marketplace guide: 2026 and proposed 2027 rates, insurers, enrollment, open enrollment (healthinsurance.org, updated Aug 27, 2026)
- Texas Medicaid eligibility and the coverage gap (healthinsurance.org, updated Sep 17, 2026)
Comparing your options this open enrollment?
Tell us who needs care and what your Marketplace plan would cost. We'll show you the alternative side by side, and tell you when the Marketplace is the better fit.
Free, no obligation. Texas households only.