{
  "title": "Tennessee health coverage enrollment windows, plan year 2027",
  "description": "Every enrollment window relevant to Tennessee residents for 2027 coverage: marketplace open enrollment, coverage start dates, special enrollment, TennCare/CoverKids, and Medicare.",
  "last_verified": "2026-10-17",
  "sources": [
    {
      "name": "HealthCare.gov — dates and deadlines",
      "url": "https://www.healthcare.gov/quick-guide/dates-and-deadlines/"
    },
    {
      "name": "CMS statement on City of Columbus v. Kennedy (July 31, 2026)",
      "url": "https://www.cms.gov/files/document/statement-re-city-columbus-073126.pdf"
    },
    {
      "name": "Medicare.gov — joining a plan",
      "url": "https://www.medicare.gov"
    }
  ],
  "data": {
    "marketplace_open_enrollment": {
      "start": "2026-11-01",
      "end": "2027-01-15",
      "where": "HealthCare.gov or 1-800-318-2596",
      "coverage_start_rules": [
        {
          "enroll_by": "2026-12-15",
          "coverage_starts": "2027-01-01"
        },
        {
          "enroll_between": [
            "2026-12-16",
            "2027-01-15"
          ],
          "coverage_starts": "2027-02-01"
        }
      ],
      "note": "A 2025 federal rule would have ended open enrollment December 15; a federal court vacated that provision in June 2026 and CMS confirmed the November 1 – January 15 window for HealthCare.gov states, including Tennessee. The government's appeal concerns future years."
    },
    "special_enrollment": {
      "window_days_typical": 60,
      "summary": "Qualifying life events (loss of coverage, moving, marriage, birth/adoption, aging off a parent's plan at 26, and others) usually open a 60-day window to enroll in a marketplace plan outside open enrollment. Proof may be required.",
      "note": "Enrollment based only on income (the low-income SEP) no longer comes with premium tax credits under Public Law 119-21."
    },
    "tenncare_coverkids": {
      "window": "year-round",
      "apply": "tenncareconnect.tn.gov or 855-259-0701"
    },
    "medicare_annual_enrollment": {
      "start": "2026-10-15",
      "end": "2026-12-07",
      "coverage_starts": "2027-01-01"
    },
    "medicare_advantage_open_enrollment": {
      "start": "2027-01-01",
      "end": "2027-03-31"
    },
    "medicare_initial_enrollment": {
      "summary": "7-month window: 3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after the month you turn 65."
    },
    "medicare_general_enrollment": {
      "start": "2027-01-01",
      "end": "2027-03-31",
      "summary": "For people who missed their Initial Enrollment Period; Part B coverage starts the month after you sign up, and late-enrollment penalties may apply."
    }
  }
}