ACA deadlines: pick a plan by Dec 15 for Jan 1 coverage in most states

Most states close 2027 open enrollment on January 15, but Idaho closes December 15 and seven states run later. The date to get coverage from January 1 also varies by state.

In this brief: 3 sections 1 min read

- December 15, 2026: most states, including all HealthCare.gov states
- December 23: Massachusetts, Rhode Island
- December 31: California, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Virginia, Washington
- Idaho: December 15, 2026
- Most states: January 15, 2027
- Massachusetts: January 23
- Virginia: January 29
- California, D.C., New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island: January 31
- Picking a plan after the January 1 cutoff but before enrollment closes usually means coverage starts later. After enrollment closes, you generally need a qualifying life event to enroll for 2027.

Read full analysis on healthinsurance.org

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