The short answer
You don't have to wait until Sunday to see what's coming. HealthCare.gov already lets you preview Marketplace health plans and estimated prices for your area: you enter your ZIP code and a few details about your household and expected income, and it shows you plans with estimated prices. You can't enroll until Open Enrollment starts November 1, but a few minutes of looking now can make that first week a lot calmer. You'll find the tool on the HealthCare.gov plan preview page.
What window shopping is
People in the insurance world call this "window shopping." HealthCare.gov describes it as a way to preview plans and prices before you apply. Michigan's insurance regulators note you can use it without entering your name.
The estimates you see are just that, estimates. HealthCare.gov says the real application asks for more details, and you get exact prices after you fill it out. So treat the preview as a first look, not a final answer.
Why it's worth a look this week
Plans and prices change every year. Your current plan might look different for 2027, or it might not be offered at all. Previewing now gives you time to think before the clock starts.
State regulators are pushing the same idea. On October 26, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services told consumers to preview plans with the HealthCare.gov window shopping tool and review this year's coverage before November 1. That advice works just as well here in Texas.
What to have handy
You'll get a more useful preview if you have a few things nearby. A recent tax return or pay stubs help you estimate next year's income. A list of your doctors and prescriptions helps you check whether the plans you like actually work for your family.
For self-employed folks, the income estimate is the tricky part. Your earnings can swing month to month. Use your best honest guess for 2027, and plan to update it on your real application if things change.
Start at the .gov site
The Michigan regulators also warned that not every site that looks official is part of HealthCare.gov. Some are run by lead generators that collect your information and pass it along to marketers. Their advice is simple: start at HealthCare.gov and look for the .gov address and the lock icon in your browser.
What happens on November 1
HealthCare.gov says that starting November 1 you can apply for 2027 coverage or update your application. To have new coverage start January 1, you need to enroll by December 15. I put all the key Open Enrollment dates for self-employed people in one place.
If you already have a Marketplace plan, keep an eye on your mailbox too. My post on what to do with your 2027 Marketplace renewal letters walks through those notices.
FAQ
Can I see 2027 Marketplace plans before Open Enrollment starts?
Yes. HealthCare.gov has a preview tool where you enter your ZIP code, household and estimated income to see plans with estimated prices for your area.
Do I have to give my name to preview plans?
No. State regulators note you can window shop without entering your name.
Are the prices in the preview final?
No. HealthCare.gov says they are estimates. You get exact prices after you complete the full Marketplace application.
Can I enroll while I'm window shopping?
Not yet. Enrollment for 2027 coverage opens November 1, according to HealthCare.gov.
When do I need to enroll for coverage that starts January 1?
By December 15, according to HealthCare.gov and state regulators.
How do I know I'm on the real HealthCare.gov site?
Look for the .gov address and the lock icon or https:// in your browser's address bar. Regulators warn that some lookalike sites collect your information for marketers.