Enrolling in a marketplace health insurance plan for 2027 doesn’t have to be complicated. This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process — from creating your account to paying your first premium — for Open Enrollment running November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027.
Step 1: Go to the Right Marketplace
Before you do anything else, confirm which marketplace covers your state:
- New Jersey: getcovered.nj.gov (state-based marketplace)
- Pennsylvania: pennie.com (state-based marketplace)
- Maryland, DC, California, NY, and others: state-specific exchanges
- All other states: HealthCare.gov (federal marketplace)
Using the wrong portal can result in your enrollment not being processed.
Step 2: Create or Log Into Your Account
If you enrolled in a previous year, log into your existing account — your information from prior years may be pre-populated. New enrollees need to create an account with a valid email address and password. You’ll need to verify your identity.
Step 3: Start a New Application or Update Your Existing One
For returning enrollees: review and update your household information, income estimate, and address. Even if nothing changed, confirm everything is current — outdated income data can result in incorrect subsidy amounts.
For new enrollees: complete the application with your household size, each member’s date of birth and Social Security number, and your estimated 2027 household income.
Step 4: Review Your Eligibility Results
After submitting your application, the system will display your eligibility for premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, Medicaid, or CHIP. Review these results carefully — they determine which plans and pricing you’ll see.
Step 5: Compare Plans
Browse available plans filtered by your location, family size, and doctors/hospitals. Compare:
- After-subsidy monthly premium
- Deductible (individual and family)
- Out-of-pocket maximum
- Copays for primary care and specialist visits
- Drug tier costs for your prescriptions
Step 6: Select a Plan and Enroll
Click “Enroll” on your chosen plan. You’ll see a summary of your selection and the premium amount due. Confirm and submit.
Step 7: Pay Your First Premium
This step is critical and often overlooked. Enrollment is not complete until the first premium is paid directly to the insurance company. The marketplace will provide the insurer’s contact information and payment instructions. Pay promptly to ensure your January 1 (or February 1) coverage start date is confirmed.
Want Someone to Walk You Through It?
A licensed broker can complete this entire process with you — or on your behalf — at no cost. Paul Z Olah has helped hundreds of individuals and families navigate marketplace enrollment in New Jersey and across 26 states.
Contact Paul at Garden State Benefits for a no-cost, no-obligation review of your 2027 options — he’s a licensed independent broker serving individuals and families across 26 states.