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. The usual loss-of-coverage window is 60 days before or after; after losing Medicaid or CHIP, you may have up to 90 days 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.
Low income and an enrollment opportunity answer different questions
First determine when you can enroll. Then determine which financial help, if any, applies. An estimate showing a low monthly premium does not establish that you may start a Marketplace plan today. Likewise, having a qualifying life event does not automatically mean you qualify for a tax credit.
Keep these decisions separate when comparing advice from an older article, a social-media post or a quote. Ask which enrollment rule is being used, which coverage year the quote covers and whether the price includes an estimated advance tax credit. Use the eligibility notice from your application for the actual determination.
A practical route when you need coverage now
- Identify existing coverage and its end date. A recent or expected loss may provide an enrollment route. Keep the termination notice.
- Review other recent household changes. A birth, marriage or qualifying move may matter, but the conditions differ. Describe the facts accurately rather than selecting an event just to unlock enrollment.
- Check Medicaid eligibility. North Carolina accepts applications year-round. Ask for a decision rather than ruling yourself out using a friend's experience.
- Complete the appropriate application. Keep the eligibility result and any requests for proof.
- Confirm the policy start date. Choose the plan, resolve required documents and make the first premium payment if one is due.
Plan for an income change without guessing
Gather current income information and a reasonable estimate for the full coverage year. Seasonal work, a job ending or self-employment can make the estimate less obvious than multiplying the latest paycheck by twelve. Report changes when they occur. The Marketplace asks about household circumstances as well as income, so include relevant household members even when they do not all need insurance.
If you are offered employer coverage, have that offer reviewed too. Financial help is not determined solely by income. Avoid relying on a quote that ignores another available coverage offer or assumes every person in the household has the same eligibility.
If no enrollment route is available today
Prepare for the next enrollment window: collect doctor names, medicines, household details and a realistic budget. If you consider a product sold outside Open Enrollment, ask whether it is comprehensive major medical insurance, what it excludes and how benefit limits work. Being available for purchase now does not make a product equivalent to a Marketplace policy.
Additional application guidance: HealthCare.gov — what to include as income.
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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