The low-income Special Enrollment Period has ended
For a few years, people with household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level could sign up for a Marketplace plan in any month. That option ended in August 2025. CMS's final rule for 2027 coverage keeps it closed, so it does not come back for 2027.
Low income and enrollment: then and now
| Situation | Until August 2025 | 2026 and 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Income at or below 150% of poverty | Could enroll any month | Open Enrollment or a qualifying life event |
| Lost other health coverage | Special Enrollment, 60 days | Special Enrollment, 60 days |
| Applying for Medicaid | Any time | Any time |
Federal law now also bars premium tax credits for people who enroll through an income-based Special Enrollment Period that isn't tied to a life event. That is part of why CMS says reopening it would not help low-income enrollees.
When you can enroll for 2027
2027 Marketplace enrollment dates
- November 1, 2026Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage begins on HealthCare.gov.
- December 15, 2026Pick a plan by this date for coverage that starts January 1.
- January 15, 2027Open Enrollment ends. After this, you need a qualifying life event.
If your income is low, Open Enrollment is the window to use. Don't count on being able to sign up later in the year.
Special Enrollment Periods that still exist
A qualifying life event still opens a Special Enrollment Period at any income. Common ones include:
- Losing other coverage, such as a job-based plan or Medicaid. You have 60 days before or after the loss to pick a plan.
- Moving to a new county or state, if you had qualifying coverage before the move.
- Getting married, having a baby or adopting a child.
- Other changes that HealthCare.gov lists, such as gaining citizenship or leaving incarceration.
See what counts as a qualifying life event and how the health insurance Special Enrollment Period works.
Check NC Medicaid first if your income is low
North Carolina expanded Medicaid, so many adults with low incomes now qualify. Unlike Marketplace plans, Medicaid has no enrollment window. You can apply any time, and if you qualify, your coverage doesn't wait for Open Enrollment.
If you're not sure which program fits, apply on HealthCare.gov or through NC Medicaid. Either one can tell you whether you qualify for Medicaid or for Marketplace savings. See do I qualify for Medicaid.
Quick questions
Can I still enroll in a Marketplace plan any month if my income is low?
No. The monthly low-income Special Enrollment Period ended in August 2025, and CMS's 2027 rule keeps it closed. Enroll during Open Enrollment or after a qualifying life event.
Can I apply for Medicaid outside Open Enrollment?
Yes. Medicaid takes applications all year.
I missed December 15. Can I still get 2027 coverage?
Yes, until January 15, 2027. Coverage will start later than January 1.
How The Jordan Insurance Agency helps
The Jordan Insurance Agency is an independent agency based in Charlotte, North Carolina. We check whether you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period or NC Medicaid, compare Marketplace plans in your county, and help you enroll before the deadline.
There is no fee for our help. Carriers pay the agent, so your premium is the same whether you enroll with us or on your own.
Next steps: read what counts as a qualifying life event and do I qualify for Medicaid.
Enrollment rules and 2027 dates checked October 16, 2026. Sources: CMS — HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027 final rule (fact sheet), HealthCare.gov — Dates and deadlines, HealthCare.gov — Getting health coverage outside Open Enrollment, healthinsurance.org — low-income SEP.
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