One month to go. Here’s what to gather now so you’re ready to enroll in November.
Open Enrollment for 2027 Marketplace health insurance begins November 1, 2026. If you’re applying for the first time or reviewing your current coverage, a little preparation now can make the process easier.
For Texans getting ready to enroll, this open enrollment checklist covers the information to collect, the plan details to compare, and the steps that come after choosing coverage.
Remember: enrolling in November is for coverage that can begin January 1, 2027. It does not give you coverage starting in November. Check HealthCare.gov’s enrollment dates.
1. Gather your household information
Keep these details together before starting your application:
- ☐ Full names, dates of birth, and relationships of household members.
- ☐ Home and mailing addresses.
- ☐ Social Security numbers, where applicable and requested.
- ☐ Immigration document information for applicants who need it.
- ☐ Expected tax-filing status and dependents for 2027.
- ☐ A working email address and phone number where you can receive updates.
Your application may ask about household members who are not applying for insurance. Follow the questions carefully rather than listing only the people who need coverage.
If you already have a Marketplace account, check that you can sign in and access its verification messages before enrollment begins. Download the official application checklist.
2. Estimate what your household will earn in 2027
Marketplace savings depend on your expected income for the year you want coverage. Your most recent tax return can help, but it may not reflect next year’s situation.
Have these records available:
- ☐ Recent pay stubs and your latest tax return.
- ☐ Self-employment income and business-expense records, if applicable.
- ☐ Information about other income the application asks you to report.
- ☐ Notes about expected changes in jobs, hours, pay, or household members.
For example, if you expect fewer work hours in 2027, simply copying last year’s income could give an inaccurate estimate. For self-employment, use expected net business income after allowable business expenses—not total sales.
Make your best reasonable estimate, and update your application when your circumstances change. Gathering records does not mean everyone must upload every document; follow any verification request you receive. See HealthCare.gov’s income guidance.
3. Collect current insurance and employer coverage details
Before applying, gather:
- ☐ Current insurance cards and policy numbers.
- ☐ Information about coverage available through your job or a family member’s employer, even if you have not enrolled.
- ☐ Employer contact information and available plan costs.
- ☐ Any employer notice offering an individual coverage HRA or qualified small employer HRA.
These details help the Marketplace evaluate your options and eligibility for savings. Use the official checklist to organize coverage information.
4. Make a list of what you need your plan to cover
Your enrollment information helps you apply. Your care needs help you choose.
Prepare a comparison list:
- ☐ Doctors, specialists, and hospitals you want to use.
- ☐ Prescription names, doses, and preferred pharmacies.
- ☐ Expected appointments, treatments, or ongoing care.
- ☐ A monthly premium budget and an amount you could manage for medical expenses.
When comparing 2027 plans, confirm your providers participate in the specific plan’s network. Check prescription coverage and restrictions, too.
Compare the deductible, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum alongside the premium. A lower monthly payment can come with higher costs when you need care. Review HealthCare.gov’s plan-comparison guidance.
5. Finish enrollment—and confirm your coverage
Once Open Enrollment begins:
- ☐ Complete or update your application.
- ☐ Review your eligibility results and any requests for additional information.
- ☐ Compare available plans and select your coverage.
- ☐ Save your enrollment confirmation and requested start date.
- ☐ Pay any required first premium directly to the insurance company by its deadline.
- ☐ Confirm with the insurer that enrollment is complete and coverage will start as expected.
Selecting a plan is not the same as activating coverage. If a first premium is due, follow the insurer’s payment instructions. Keep your confirmation and payment receipt, and follow up if your insurance card or enrollment materials do not arrive. See how to complete enrollment.
Get your checklist ready with Precise Insurance
You do not need to have every answer before asking for help. Start with your household information, income records, current coverage details, and list of doctors and medications.
Precise Insurance can help you work through the questions and compare available Texas plans in English or Spanish. Learn about our Open Enrollment assistance in Texas.
Contact Precise Insurance to prepare for Open Enrollment or call 817-350-6265.
Prepared October 1, 2026. This checklist covers individual and family Marketplace insurance. Medicare and employer-sponsored plans have separate enrollment rules.