2027 Open Enrollment in Texas: Your Key Dates and What's Changing

Planning for open enrollment 2027 can help you protect your coverage, compare costs with confidence, and avoid missing an important deadline.

If you are self-employed in Texas, work as an independent contractor, or own a small business, health insurance planning deserves an early place on your calendar. Texas uses the federally facilitated Marketplace at HealthCare.gov, where individuals and families can review Marketplace plans during the annual enrollment period.

The 2027 enrollment season includes familiar deadlines, but several cost-related changes may affect how you compare coverage.

Your 2027 Texas enrollment calendar

For 2027 Marketplace coverage, Open Enrollment runs from November 1, 2026, through January 15, 2027.

Date	What it means
November 1, 2026	Open Enrollment begins. You can apply, renew, or change Marketplace coverage.
December 15, 2026	Last day to enroll or change plans for coverage starting January 1, 2027.
December 16, 2026–January 15, 2027	You can still enroll or change plans during Open Enrollment.
January 15, 2027	Open Enrollment ends.
February 1, 2027	Coverage begins for plans selected from December 16 through January 15, assuming you complete the required steps and pay the first premium.

The safest approach is to begin comparing plans in November rather than waiting for the final week. This gives you time to review provider networks, prescriptions, deductibles, premiums, and out-of-pocket limits.

You can also review the official HealthCare.gov dates and deadlines for current Marketplace guidance.

What self-employed Texans should review

When you work for yourself, you may not have an employer benefits team helping you evaluate coverage. You are responsible for considering how a plan fits your household, work situation, health care needs, and budget.

Before you apply or renew, gather:

• Your current plan information
• Preferred doctors, hospitals, and specialists
• Prescription details
• The people who need coverage
• Your expected household circumstances for 2027
• Your preferred monthly budget
• Any questions about networks, deductibles, or out-of-pocket costs

Marketplace coverage is based on your individual circumstances, and plan availability can vary. Avoid choosing a plan based only on the monthly premium. A lower premium may come with a higher deductible or different network rules. A plan with a broader network may be more useful if you travel for work or need access to providers in more than one area.

Momentum’s self-employed health insurance guidance can help you organize the questions you should ask before comparing options.

What small business owners should know

The Marketplace enrollment calendar generally applies to individual and family coverage. If you provide group health insurance to employees, your group plan may follow a separate renewal or enrollment schedule set by the insurer.

That means a small business owner may need to manage two planning tracks:

1. Your own coverage: You may shop for individual or family health insurance through HealthCare.gov if that is the route that fits your situation.
2. Employee coverage: Your business may review group insurance or other employee benefit options according to the plan’s renewal timeline.

Start early if you are considering coverage for a small team. Review your budget, employee needs, provider access, plan design, and participation requirements. Do not assume that the plan that works for you personally will automatically be the right choice for your employees.

Momentum provides small business health insurance guidance for owners who want a clearer explanation of available approaches and important tradeoffs.

Three changes to watch for in 2027

1. The maximum out-of-pocket limit is higher

For 2027, the maximum allowable out-of-pocket limit is $12,000 for a single person, up from $10,600 in 2026.

This is not the amount you automatically pay. It is the maximum a plan can require you to pay for covered, in-network essential health benefits during the plan year, subject to the plan’s rules. Premiums are generally separate from this limit.

A higher limit makes plan comparison especially important. Look beyond the monthly premium and review:

• Individual and family deductibles
• Copayments and coinsurance
• In-network and out-of-network rules
• Prescription cost-sharing
• The plan’s total out-of-pocket maximum

Your actual costs depend on the plan you select and how much care you use.

2. Proposed Marketplace premiums are rising nationally

Nationally, the median proposed Marketplace premium increase for 2027 is about 15%, based on preliminary rate filings reported by the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker. These are national figures, not Texas plan prices, and proposed rates may change during the review process.

Subsidies offset costs for most Marketplace enrollees. However, the effect on your premium can depend on your household circumstances, the plan you choose, and the assistance available to you. Do not assume that a proposed national increase will equal the amount you pay.

The best way to understand your options is to compare 2027 plans when final information is available through HealthCare.gov and review the full cost structure rather than focusing on one number.

3. HSA contribution limits increase

For 2027, HSA contribution limits are:

• $4,500 for self-only coverage
• $9,000 for family coverage

That is up from $4,400 for self-only coverage and $8,750 for family coverage in 2026.

These are contribution limits, not a guarantee that every health plan is HSA-eligible. If you are considering an HSA-qualified high-deductible health plan, review the plan’s specific requirements and confirm how the coverage works before enrolling. You may also wish to consult a qualified tax professional about your circumstances.

A simple preparation checklist

Use this checklist before open enrollment 2027 begins:

1. Mark December 15, 2026. This is the key deadline for January 1 coverage.
2. Review your current coverage. Note changes to premiums, deductibles, networks, prescriptions, and out-of-pocket limits.
3. Confirm your provider needs. Check whether your preferred doctors and hospitals participate in each plan’s network.
4. Estimate your 2027 household situation. Self-employed income and family needs may change, so update your Marketplace application accurately.
5. Compare total costs. Consider premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and the out-of-pocket maximum.
6. Do not wait until the final day. Give yourself time to ask questions and complete enrollment.
7. Get personalized guidance. A knowledgeable advisor can help explain plan features without replacing your own decision.

Get clear guidance before you enroll

Health insurance for self-employed professionals and small business owners can involve several moving parts. You do not have to sort through every term and tradeoff alone.

Momentum Health Insurance Advisors helps Texans review individual, family, self-employed, PPO, and small business coverage options. Reach out for personalized help before enrollment begins so you can prepare your questions and approach the 2027 Marketplace season with greater confidence.

This article is for general educational information only and is not legal, tax, medical, or financial advice. Enrollment timing, eligibility, plan availability, costs, and assistance depend on your circumstances and the information available through official Marketplace sources.

Stay covered.