Open enrollment is your annual opportunity to enroll in or change your ACA health plan. For 2027 coverage, Utah's open enrollment runs November 1 through January 15 on healthcare.gov. A licensed broker helps you make the most of the window.
Free, no-obligation — a licensed Utah agent will reach out within one business day.
A licensed Utah broker will contact you within one business day. Your information is never sold. No cost, no obligation.
Key Dates
Open enrollment begins. You can submit your application for 2027 coverage starting November 1. Enrolling early gives your broker time to review all available options and ensure your application is complete and accurate before the rush of December submissions.
Enroll by December 15 for coverage effective January 1, 2027. This is the most important deadline for most Utahns — particularly those with pending medical needs, prescription refills that restart in January, or healthcare providers whose contracts reset at the new year.
Final deadline for open enrollment. Applications submitted January 1–15 result in February 1 coverage. After January 15, you cannot enroll in or change an ACA plan until the next open enrollment (November 2027) unless you experience a qualifying life event.
2026 Changes
Enhanced premium tax credits expired. The American Rescue Plan Act enhanced subsidies that reduced premiums for millions of Americans since 2021 were not renewed for 2026. Premium tax credits reverted to pre-2021 amounts for many income brackets. This has meaningfully increased marketplace premiums for many Utahns — particularly those earning between 200–400% of the federal poverty level.
The hard 400% FPL income cliff also returned. In 2024 and 2025, people over 400% FPL could still receive some subsidy. In 2026, the subsidy phases out completely at 400% FPL — approximately $62,600 for a single person. This is particularly impactful for self-employed Utahns whose income is near this threshold.
On the positive side, the $2,000 Part D out-of-pocket cap took full effect for Medicare beneficiaries, and Medicaid expansion in Utah remains in place for adults up to 138% FPL.
ACA plans auto-renew if you don't actively make a change during open enrollment. With the 2026 subsidy changes, your auto-renewed plan may have a significantly different net premium than last year. Many Utahns who auto-renewed are overpaying — a broker review during open enrollment can identify better options.
Reviews every plan available in your county on healthcare.gov. Calculates your exact subsidy eligibility. Compares plan designs — not just premiums. Checks that your doctors and prescriptions are covered. Submits your application before the deadline. Confirms your coverage is active after enrollment.
Outside Open Enrollment
If you miss open enrollment, a qualifying life event may allow you to enroll mid-year.
Losing employer-sponsored coverage, aging off a parent's plan at 26, losing Medicaid eligibility, or COBRA expiration — all trigger a 60-day SEP. You must act within 60 days of the loss of coverage date.
Marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, or gaining a dependent triggers a 60-day SEP. Your household composition change affects your subsidy eligibility and you should update your marketplace application within 30 days of the event.
Moving to Utah from another state — or moving to a new county within Utah that makes new plans available — triggers a SEP. New Utah residents can enroll in a Utah marketplace plan within 60 days of establishing Utah residency.
A licensed Utah broker submits your enrollment before the deadline and ensures you're in the best plan for 2027 — at no cost.
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