PALM BAY, Fla., Oct. 27, 2026 —

If you get health insurance through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, the yearly sign-up window for 2027 coverage opens this weekend. Florida is one of the states that uses the federally run Marketplace, HealthCare.gov, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) list of states by Marketplace type for plan year 2027.

The key dates

According to HealthCare.gov, starting Nov. 1 you can apply for 2027 coverage or update your application with any changes you expect for the year ahead:

  • Nov. 1, 2026: Open Enrollment starts. It is the first day you can enroll in, renew or change a Marketplace plan for the coming year. Coverage can start as soon as Jan. 1.
  • Dec. 15, 2026: Last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage that starts Jan. 1.
  • Jan. 1, 2027: Coverage starts for people who enroll or change plans by Dec. 15 and pay their first premium.
  • Jan. 15, 2027: Open Enrollment ends. After this date, you can enroll or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
  • Feb. 1, 2027: Coverage starts for people who enroll or change plans from Dec. 16 through Jan. 15 and pay their first premium.

Outside the window

HealthCare.gov says you can get coverage between Jan. 16 and Oct. 31 if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, which it describes as a period outside Open Enrollment when you can enroll in or change plans because of a life event, such as moving, losing other coverage, getting married or having a baby. The site also says you can apply for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) at any time if you qualify.

Getting ready

The same HealthCare.gov page links to a way to preview plans and prices, sign up for email reminders, and download a checklist (PDF) of what you need to gather to apply. HealthCare.gov lists the Marketplace Call Center number as 1-800-318-2596.

Those are the facts, directly from the source. Now that you have the up-to-date facts, decide what it means for you and your family.

Sources: HealthCare.gov, When can you get health insurance?; CMS, States by Marketplace Type (FFM/SBM-FP/SBM) for Plan Year 2027. Pages checked Oct. 27, 2026.

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