Open enrollment is a specific time each year when people can sign up for, change, or cancel their health insurance and employee benefits.
For 2027 coverage under the Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare,” the open enrollment period generally runs from November 1, 2026, to December 15, 2026 — for most states using HealthCare.gov — with some state-run exchanges starting earlier.
These are important dates for people living with HIV to secure affordable health plans, lock in coverage for specialized medications, and ensure access to preferred medical providers.
Why does open enrollment matter?
First, there’s protection for pre-existing conditions: Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies cannot deny coverage or charge more because of an HIV diagnosis.
And there’s medication affordability: Antiretroviral therapies can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars a month out-of-pocket, making a robust insurance plan essential for lowering drug costs.
Also, there’s network and formulary alignment: Open enrollment allows individuals to review plan formularies (drug lists) and doctor networks to guarantee their specific HIV treatment regimen and specialists are fully covered.
And there’s achieving viral suppression: Consistent and affordable access to care leads to sustained viral suppression, which improves personal longevity and reduces transmission risk.
Finally, there’s optimizing assistance programs: Many state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs) help clients enroll in marketplace health plans rather than paying for drugs piecemeal, stretching public resources to help more people.
John Hassell is the National Director of Advocacy for AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
