If you got a letter saying your insurer won't offer your Marketplace plan in 2027, you're not alone. Several insurers are leaving the ACA Marketplace for 2027. Some are leaving completely, and some are leaving only certain states.
The good news: you don't have to go without coverage on January 1. But if you do nothing, the Marketplace may pick your next plan for you, and it may not be the plan you would pick. Here's what happens, what to check, and what to do before December 15.
How can you tell if this is you?
In the fall, insurers and the Marketplace send notices about plans that won't continue next year. The letter may say your plan is "discontinued," or that your insurer is "leaving the Marketplace" or "no longer offering coverage" where you live.
- Check your mail and email, including your spam folder, for a letter from your insurer or the Marketplace.
- Log in to your Marketplace account and read your notices. Your plan's status for next year shows up there.
Bought your plan off the Marketplace? If you bought directly from an insurance company, nobody moves you to a new plan automatically. When your plan ends, your coverage ends. You have to choose a new plan yourself.
What happens if you do nothing?
On HealthCare.gov, if your insurer won't offer any similar plan next year, the Marketplace generally moves you to a plan from a different company. It looks for the same metal level (like bronze or silver) and plan type first, then a similar network, then a lower price.
That keeps you covered, but it's a backup, not a recommendation. Here's why it's risky:
- The network may be different. Your doctors or hospital may not be in it.
- Your drugs may be on a different list. A prescription that was covered could cost more, or need approval first.
- The deductible may be higher. You could pay more before the plan starts to pay.
- The income on file is last year's. If your income changed, your 2027 subsidy could be wrong, and you may owe money back at tax time.
State-run exchanges have their own rules. If your state runs its own Marketplace website, check how it handles plans that are ending.
When can you choose a new plan?
- Open Enrollment for 2027 runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov.
- December 15 is the last day to pick a plan that starts January 1. Plans picked December 16 to January 15 start February 1.
Losing a discontinued plan also counts as a qualifying life event. That generally opens a Special Enrollment Period from 60 days before your coverage ends to 60 days after. It's a safety net, but enrolling after December 15 can leave you with a gap in coverage.
What should you do before December 15?
- Find your notice and write down the date your coverage ends.
- List your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions, with the dose for each drug.
- Update your 2027 income estimate on your Marketplace application before you compare plans.
- Compare plans on total yearly cost, not just the monthly premium. Add the yearly premium, the deductible and the out-of-pocket maximum.
- Check each plan's network and drug list against your list from step 2.
- Pick a plan by December 15 and pay the first premium on time. Your coverage doesn't start until it's paid.
Why does your income estimate matter more this year?
The enhanced subsidies expired at the end of 2025. For 2027, there's no premium tax credit if your household income is above 400% of the federal poverty level.
Also, starting with 2026 coverage, there's no cap on repaying extra advance credits at tax time. If your income comes in higher than your estimate, you could owe back the full difference.
So give the Marketplace your best honest estimate of what you'll earn in 2027, not what you earned last year. If you're self-employed, see Made too much for an ACA subsidy? for how to think about your income.
Which mistakes should you avoid?
- Assuming "auto-renew" means the same plan. When your insurer leaves, the plan you're renewed into comes from a different company.
- Ignoring the notice until January. After December 15, the earliest new coverage can start is February 1.
- Comparing on premium alone. A low premium can come with a high deductible.
- Forgetting to pay the first bill to the new company. Coverage doesn't start until the first premium is paid.
- Not updating your income. A wrong estimate can mean the wrong subsidy, and a bill at tax time.
The bottom line
If your insurer is leaving the Marketplace, you will likely still have coverage on January 1. The question is whether it's a plan you chose. Take an hour before December 15: list your doctors and drugs, update your income, compare total costs, and pick your plan yourself.
Common questions
My insurer is leaving the Marketplace. Will I lose my coverage?
Not if you act. Your current plan ends on the date in your notice. On HealthCare.gov, if you don't choose a new plan, the Marketplace generally re-enrolls you in a similar plan from a different company. If you bought outside the Marketplace, you have to choose a new plan yourself.
What happens if I don't pick a new plan?
On HealthCare.gov, you're generally moved to a comparable plan from another company. It may have a different network, a different drug list or a higher deductible, and it uses the income already on your application. It's a backup, so it's better to choose your own plan.
Can I keep my doctor?
Only if your doctor is in the network of the plan you end up in. Before you choose, list your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions, and check each plan's network and drug list against that list.
When is the deadline to choose a new plan for January 1?
December 15 on HealthCare.gov. Open Enrollment for 2027 runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027, but plans picked December 16 to January 15 start February 1. State-run exchanges can have different dates.
I bought my plan outside the Marketplace. What happens to me?
You won't be moved to a new plan automatically. When your plan ends, your coverage ends, so you need to choose a new plan yourself, either directly from an insurer or through the Marketplace. Losing your plan generally qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period.
Does a discontinued plan give me a Special Enrollment Period?
Generally, yes. Losing coverage because your plan is discontinued is a qualifying life event. It usually opens a Special Enrollment Period from 60 days before your coverage ends to 60 days after. Enrolling after December 15 can still leave a gap, so it's safer to choose during Open Enrollment.
Keep learning
- Made too much for an ACA subsidy in 2026? A self-employed person's real options
The enhanced subsidies expired and the income cliff is back. Here's the honest playbook for affordable, real coverage.
- Free printableTurning 65 in the next 6 months? Your Medicare timeline
Enter your birthday to see your sign-up window, when coverage starts and your Medigap window, plus a free printable.
Sources
- HealthCare.gov — Dates and deadlines for 2027 health insurance
- HealthCare.gov — If you're automatically re-enrolled in a plan
- HealthCare.gov — Special Enrollment Period (losing coverage)
- CMS — Federal standard renewal and product discontinuation notices, 2027 benefit year
- KFF — 9 Things to Watch for the 2027 ACA Open Enrollment Period
- IRS — One Big Beautiful Bill provisions (premium tax credit repayment limits removed)