When Does My Plan Start If I Apply During Open Enrollment?

All Open Enrollment plan selections with regular effective dates (i.e., not under an SEP) for plan year 2027 completed and received by HealthCare.gov from:

• November 1 to December 15, 2026 can become effective on January 1, 2027
• December 16, 2026 to January 15, 2027 can become effective on February 1, 2027

Some state marketplaces have different deadlines. For example, New Jersey's open enrollment runs through January 31, 2027.

Remember, consumers must complete their plan selections by December 15 in order for their health coverage to become effective at the beginning of the plan year. Also, Marketplace coverage generally becomes effective at the beginning of the month and not in the middle of the month.