If you have a Marketplace plan now, you may wonder if it will just keep going in 2027. Most of the time, it will. But "renews on its own" doesn't mean "stays the same."
This guide explains how automatic re-enrollment works, what can change for 2027, and when you can switch plans. It covers the federal Marketplace on HealthCare.gov.
How automatic re-enrollment works
HealthCare.gov says it will automatically re-enroll you if two things are true. You have Marketplace coverage in December, and you don't pick a plan or stop your coverage by the deadline.
- You may be re-enrolled in the same plan you have now.
- Or you may get a different plan from the same insurance company.
- If your company leaves the Marketplace, you may be moved to a similar plan with a different company.
HealthCare.gov says an insurance company can't move you to a different plan based on your health or how much care you use. In some cases, you won't be re-enrolled at all. And your plan doesn't start until you pay your first monthly premium.
As of October 14, 2026, under current law, Open Enrollment for 2027 runs November 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027, and you must pick a plan by December 15 (the deadline under current law) for coverage to start January 1. A court case about these dates is still on appeal, so check HealthCare.gov. See every date in our Florida open enrollment guide.
Read your two letters
Before Open Enrollment starts, you should get two letters. One comes from your insurance company. The other comes from the Marketplace.
HealthCare.gov says the letters tell you:
- If your current plan is offered next year.
- Which plan you'll be re-enrolled in if you don't act.
- Any changes to your coverage and your financial help.
- If the Marketplace needs documents from you.
If you don't have your letters, call your insurance company or the Marketplace Call Center.
Why your price and tax credit can change
Your tax credit is based on the income you expect for the year you are covered, not last year. HealthCare.gov says that if you don't update your income, it will estimate your credit from the newest data it has. That can include your last application and IRS records.
Plan prices change every year too. So your credit can change even if your income stays the same.
As of October 14, 2026, under current law, three IRS rules matter for 2027:
- The premium tax credit is generally only for household incomes from 100% to 400% of the poverty line. The temporary rule that let people above 400% get the credit ended after 2025.
- Under the IRS 2027 table (Rev. Proc. 2026-26), the most you're expected to pay toward a benchmark plan is 10.22% of your income. For the lowest incomes, it's 2.15%.
- For tax years after 2025, there is no cap on paying back extra credit. If you get too much during the year, you pay all of the difference back when you file.
Our guide to the 2027 ACA subsidy cliff explains the 400% limit in detail. For a rough first look at prices, try our Policy Pricing Calculator.
Update your income before you renew
HealthCare.gov says to update your expected income and household on your application first. Then compare plans and keep your plan or pick a new one.
If you skip this step, you could get less help than you qualify for. Or you could get too much and owe it back at tax time.
Estimating income can be hard, especially if you are self-employed. Our guide on how to estimate your income for Marketplace insurance walks through it step by step. A tax pro can help too.
You update your application online, by phone, or in person. HealthCare.gov says you can't do it by mail.
Can you change your Marketplace plan during the year?
During Open Enrollment, you can switch plans for any reason. After it ends, HealthCare.gov says you can change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Life changes like these can qualify: getting married, having a baby, moving, or losing other health coverage.
Even then, your choices may be limited. For the most common reasons, HealthCare.gov says you can only pick a plan in the same metal level you have now, like Bronze or Silver. There are a few exceptions. For example, if you newly qualify for lower costs when you get care (called cost-sharing reductions), you may be able to move to a Silver plan.
If your income or household changes during the year, report it as soon as you can. That keeps your tax credit closer to right. You can end your plan any time, but you may have to wait until the next Open Enrollment to get a new one.
How to stop automatic re-enrollment
If you don't want Marketplace coverage next year, you have to act. HealthCare.gov says to log in, pick your current year's application, and use the stop coverage button on the "My Plans & Programs" page.
Do this before the deadline in the dates above, or you may be re-enrolled. If you were already re-enrolled, HealthCare.gov says you can still log in by the end of the year to stop coverage from starting.
Some people look at a private plan sold outside HealthCare.gov. HealthCare.gov notes the only way to get the premium tax credit is to buy through the Marketplace. Some private plans ask health questions, and approval is not guaranteed. Some may not cover care for health problems you had before you enrolled.
Getting help
Daniels Health Advisors is licensed in 30+ U.S. states. We can help you read your renewal letters, update your application, and compare plans.