OPEN ENROLLMENT IS ALMOST HERE. WHAT HEALTH PLAN OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE IN 2027

10/26/2026

Open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace (Marketplace) plans runs from Nov. 1, 2026, through Jan. 15, 2027.

For coverage starting on Jan. 1, 2027, you'll need to apply and choose a plan by Dec. 15, 2026, and pay your first premium by the plan's deadline.

What is open enrollment?

Open enrollment is the period when you can sign up for a health insurance plan. You can also renew, change, or cancel your current health insurance plan.

If you miss the Marketplace deadline of Jan. 15, you generally must wait until the next open enrollment period unless you qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP), which happens under specific scenarios such as losing your coverage, marriage or having a baby.

You can apply for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) at any time.

What are my health plan options?

Your health coverage options may include Marketplace, job-based, private and student health plans. Job-based, private, and student health plans set their own enrollment periods.

What should I know about Health Insurance Marketplace plans?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) established the Marketplace, where you can compare and enroll in health plans.

You can shop and apply for coverage at HealthCare.gov. Shopping during open enrollment every year helps you find the best deal because plans and prices can change.

Depending on your household income and other factors, you may qualify for help paying for a plan. When you apply, the Marketplace system will check whether you and your family qualify for public programs like Medicaid and CHIP.

The Marketplace has tips for choosing a plan. To learn what these plans cover, check here.

The NAIC Health Insurance Shopping Tool can help you decide which plan is right for you.

Think about what you can afford and estimate your health care costs for the year.

Compare premiums (the amount you pay for your health plan), copays (a fixed cost for care), and benefits under each plan. If you're shopping on the Marketplace, you can compare plans side by side.

Some products are marketed as alternatives to health insurance but don't offer the same protection. Health care sharing ministries (HCSMs), discount plans, and risk-sharing plans are not health insurance and do not provide the same protections as health insurance.

What about options outside the Health Insurance Marketplace?

Job-based health insurance

If your employer offers health insurance, you may qualify to enroll, even if you previously declined a plan. Employers typically pay part of the premiums for employees and their dependents.

You may also be eligible for coverage through a family member, such as a spouse's employer-sponsored plan or, if you're under 26, a parent or guardian's plan.

Private insurance

You can buy private health insurance through an insurance agent, broker, or directly from an insurance company. These plans don't qualify for the financial help available through the Marketplace and may not include the same benefits.

Student health plans

If you're enrolled in a college or university, you may be eligible for a student health plan. Contact your school's health services department to learn more.

Where can I get help?

If you have questions, contact the Consumer Services Division of the Alabama Department of Insurance at (334) 241-4141 or (800) 433-3966 from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or visit our live chat at www.aldoi.gov.