2027 Texas Health Coverage
Open Enrollment 2027 in Texas
Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs November 1, 2026–January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 to have your coverage begin January 1.
Missed Open Enrollment? You may still qualify through a Special Enrollment Period.
Open Enrollment Window
Nov 1–Jan 15
During this window, you can:
✓ Enroll in a new plan
✓ Renew your coverage
✓ Change plans
Enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2027
Open Enrollment in Texas
For 2027 coverage, Open Enrollment in Texas runs from November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15, 2026 for coverage beginning January 1, 2027. If you enroll from December 16 through January 15, coverage generally begins February 1, 2027.
After January 15, you generally need a qualifying life event to enroll in or change Marketplace coverage through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Medicaid and CHIP enrollment is available year-round.
Outside the enrollment window?
To find out if you are eligible, contact us.
Important Open Enrollment 2027 Deadlines
| Date | What it means |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open Enrollment begins. You can enroll in, renew, or change a Marketplace plan. |
| December 15, 2026 | Enroll by this date for coverage to begin January 1, 2027. |
| January 15, 2027 | Final day of Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage. |
| February 1, 2027 | Coverage generally begins for people who enroll December 16 through January 15. |
December 15 is not the final enrollment deadline. It is the deadline to enroll if you want your coverage to begin January 1.
Who Can Enroll in Marketplace Coverage?
Texas residents who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or lawfully present immigrants may generally apply for Marketplace coverage if they are not incarcerated and do not already have Medicare. Eligibility for premium tax credits depends on household income, family size, and access to other qualifying coverage.
What should you have ready?
- Social Security numbers or immigration documents for applicants
- Employer and income information for everyone in the household
- Details about any health coverage currently available to you
- Your preferred doctors, prescriptions, and expected healthcare needs
Use our Open Enrollment Checklist to gather your information before applying.
Can you get help paying for coverage?
Many Marketplace applicants qualify for premium tax credits that reduce their monthly premium. The amount is based mainly on household income and family size. A licensed agent can help you compare available plans, provider networks, prescription coverage, deductibles, and estimated costs.
How to Enroll in Health Insurance in Texas
- Review your household, income, doctors, prescriptions, and expected healthcare needs.
- Compare Marketplace plans, premiums, deductibles, provider networks, and prescription benefits. Our HMO vs. PPO guide explains a key network choice. Before selecting a plan, follow our guide to checking whether your doctor accepts your new health insurance.
- Check whether you qualify for premium tax credits.
- Complete your application and select a plan before the deadline that matches your preferred coverage start date.
- Pay your first premium directly to the insurance company to activate coverage.
Precise Insurance provides free enrollment assistance in English and Spanish. Our Fort Worth team can help Texas residents compare Marketplace options and complete the enrollment process.
Got a renewal letter? Check these five things
Read both your insurer’s renewal notice and your Marketplace eligibility notice before accepting next year’s coverage.
- Plan changes: Check whether your plan continues, its new premium and benefits, and any proposed replacement. Compare the deductible and out-of-pocket limit.
- Household and income: Update your application with expected household income for the coverage year, household changes and other coverage offers. Last year’s information may no longer fit.
- Doctors and prescriptions: Verify your exact plan’s network and covered-drug list for the new year—even if you keep the same insurer.
- Your choice: Review available options rather than relying only on automatic renewal. Keep your plan selection confirmation and check its effective date.
- Payment: If a first premium is due, pay the insurer by its deadline and confirm coverage is active. Check whether an existing automatic payment arrangement carries over.
Bring both notices to Precise Insurance for help comparing your next step. See HealthCare.gov’s renewal guidance and first-payment instructions.
Open Enrollment 2027 FAQs
Is December 15 the last day to enroll?
No. December 15 is the deadline to enroll for coverage beginning January 1, 2027. Open Enrollment continues through January 15, 2027.
What happens if I enroll after December 15?
If you enroll between December 16, 2026 and January 15, 2027, your coverage generally begins February 1, 2027.
What if I miss the January 15 deadline?
You may still be able to enroll if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period because of a life event such as losing other coverage, moving, getting married, or having a baby. Medicaid and CHIP applications are accepted year-round.
Life changes can open a window
Special Enrollment Periods
A Special Enrollment Period is a time outside the regular open enrollment period during which individuals can enroll in or change their health insurance plans. SEPs are triggered by specific life events that impact your health coverage needs.
What qualifying life events can trigger a Special Enrollment Period?
✓ Losing your health coverage
✓ Moving to a new zip code
✓ Getting married
✓ Having a baby or adopting a child
✓ Becoming a U.S. citizen or lawful resident
✓ Leaving incarceration (jail or prison)
✓ Changes in your household, such as divorce or death of the policyholder.
Special Enrollment FAQs
How long does the Special Enrollment Period last?
The duration of the SEP generally lasts 60 days after the qualifying life event.
What if I miss the Special Enrollment Period?
If you miss the 60-day window to enroll during an SEP, you will need to wait until the next open enrollment period to apply for coverage unless you experience another qualifying event.
What if I have a planned change in health insurance during my Special Enrollment Period?
You can choose to change your health insurance plan during the SEP even if you have a planned change. Make sure to carefully review coverage options and how they fit your health care needs.
Not sure if you can enroll?
Our Fort Worth team can review your situation and help you understand your options.