2027 coverage: November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027
HealthCare.gov's national window for 2027 coverage is November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. Oregon and Washington both use that same overall window this year. The date that gets you January 1 coverage is not identical in both states:
- Oregon (Explore Health): enroll or change plans November 1–December 15 for coverage starting January 1. Enroll December 16–January 15 for coverage starting February 1. Starting November 1, 2026, Oregonians shop and enroll on Explore Health, not HealthCare.gov.
- Washington (Healthplanfinder): Open Enrollment is November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. Sign up by December 31 for a plan that starts January 1. Sign up January 1–15 for a plan that starts February 1.
Marketplace dates are set each year. See the Oregon & Washington rules guide for other state-specific differences.
Six Steps to Get Covered
- 1
Gather your documents
Household size, expected income for the year, your current coverage (if any), and a list of your doctors and medications.
- 2
Check your subsidy eligibility
Most marketplace shoppers qualify for some level of premium tax credit. Estimate your household income against the federal poverty level before you start comparing plans. It changes which plans are actually affordable.
- 3
Compare plans on more than price
Check that your doctors and medications are covered, not just the monthly premium. This is exactly the kind of comparison we do with clients for no cost.
- 4
Enroll before your deadline
Mark your calendar. In Oregon and Washington, that deadline can be earlier than you'd expect.
- 5
Confirm enrollment and pay your first premium
Your coverage isn't active until your first payment is processed, even after you've "enrolled."
- 6
Know what happens next
Outside of Open Enrollment, you can only make changes if you have a qualifying life event. See the Special Enrollment Periods guide.
Coverage Start Dates
Use the state-specific dates above. A common HealthCare.gov pattern is December 15 for a January 1 start. Washington is different: December 31 is the last day for January 1 coverage. Coverage is not active until your first premium is processed.