Open Enrollment 2027 is coming. Here’s what to do first.

Published June 26, 2026 · By Erik Roti, Options.Health · Updated August 7, 2026

Updated August 7, 2026: MNsure’s 2027 open enrollment dates have changed since this post first went up, following a court ruling that vacated a federal rule on enrollment timing. Open enrollment for 2027 coverage now runs November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. Here’s what to do before the window opens, and how the current deadlines actually work.

The two deadlines that actually matter

MNsure had briefly simplified 2027 open enrollment to a single deadline earlier this year, but that changed after a federal rule affecting enrollment timing was struck down in court and MNsure reassessed its schedule. The split-deadline structure from past years is back: enroll by December 15, 2026 for coverage starting January 1, 2027. If you enroll between December 16, 2026 and January 15, 2027, your coverage instead starts February 1, 2027. Miss January 15 entirely, and you’re generally waiting for a qualifying life event or next year’s open enrollment. Given how much these dates have already shifted this year, it’s worth confirming directly with MNsure as the window approaches rather than relying on any one source, including this one.

What to gather before November 1

• An income estimate for 2027 — your subsidy is based on projected household income, not last year’s tax return. A rough number now saves a scramble later.
• Your current provider list — networks change year to year, even for carriers you’ve used before. Confirm your doctors are still in-network on next year’s plan before you commit.
• A current prescription list — formularies change annually too. A drug that was covered this year isn’t guaranteed to be covered the same way next year.
• Any household changes — a new dependent, a change in marital status, or a job change can shift both your subsidy and which plans make sense.

Why your subsidy might look different this year

Subsidy amounts move with both your income and the benchmark plan price in your county, so a subsidy that felt right last year isn’t guaranteed to carry over unchanged. If you want the specifics on what’s driving subsidy changes for 2026–2027, see our related post on why your MNsure subsidy might change this year.

Should you still shop if you’re happy with your plan?

Yes — even a plan you like can change quietly underneath you. Carriers adjust premiums, networks, and drug formularies every single year, sometimes without much public notice. A five-minute comparison during open enrollment is cheap insurance against finding out about a change in March, after you’re already locked in for the year.