ACA Open Enrollment 2027 has begun, bringing higher health insurance premiums, changes to financial assistance and fewer plan choices in some U.S. communities.
An October 30 KFF analysis found that the average premium for benchmark Silver plans will rise 13% in 2027.
A benchmark plan is the second-lowest-cost Silver plan in an area; its price helps determine premium tax credits. The 13% increase is before subsidies and does not mean every household’s insurance bill will rise by that amount.
Key Highlights
- Premiums: Benchmark Silver-plan premiums rise 13% on average nationwide.
- Subsidies: Enhanced federal tax credits expired after 2025; regular assistance remains for eligible applicants.
- Insurers: Eleven carriers plan to leave at least one state, while seven plan to enter a new state.
- Deadlines: December 15 for January 1 coverage on HealthCare.gov; January 15 for final enrollment.
ACA Open Enrollment 2027: Important Dates
| Date | What It Means |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open enrollment begins |
| December 15, 2026 | Deadline for January 1 coverage |
| January 1, 2027 | Coverage begins if the first premium is paid |
| January 15, 2027 | Open enrollment ends |
| February 1, 2027 | Coverage begins for December 16–January 15 enrollments |
These dates apply to HealthCare.gov. State-run Marketplaces may have different schedules.
Why Are ACA Health Insurance Premiums Rising?
KFF reports that finalized benchmark premiums will increase an average of 11% in HealthCare.gov states and 16% in states with their own enrollment platforms.
Insurers cite higher hospital and medical-service costs, alongside changes in the insurance risk pool after enhanced subsidies expired.
Premium changes vary by insurer, county and age. Shoppers should compare the price they actually pay after available tax credits rather than assume the national average applies to their coverage.
Who Could Pay More in 2027?
People who no longer qualify for subsidies may face particularly large bills. Enhanced pandemic-era credits expired at the end of 2025, and under current federal rules, households above 400% of the federal poverty level generally cannot claim premium tax credits.
Eligible households can still receive regular premium tax credits. Some states, including New Mexico and California, also offer additional assistance under their own rules.
CMS says more than 75% of HealthCare.gov shoppers will have access to plans costing $50 monthly or less. However, that does not guarantee everyone will qualify for those prices.
Important Tax Credit Warning
Beginning with the 2026 tax year, the IRS no longer caps repayment of excess advance premium tax credits.
If actual income makes someone eligible for less assistance than they received, the full excess may need to be repaid.
Applicants should update income estimates promptly when earnings or household circumstances change.
Will Insurance Choices Shrink?
As of October 29, KFF identified 11 insurers leaving at least one state and seven entering a new state for 2027.
Choices depend on location. Even a familiar insurer may change its hospital network, participating doctors or prescription coverage.
People renewing automatically should check their insurer’s notice instead of assuming last year’s costs and benefits remain unchanged.
How to Compare ACA Plans Before Enrolling
Before choosing coverage:
- Update your application: Enter expected 2027 household income and family size.
- Compare total costs: Review premiums, deductibles, copayments and out-of-pocket limits.
- Check medical networks: Confirm preferred doctors, hospitals and prescriptions are covered.
- Review Silver-plan savings: Eligible applicants can receive income-based cost-sharing reductions through qualifying Silver plans.
- Use official enrollment channels: Apply through HealthCare.gov or your state’s Marketplace. Verify anyone assisting with enrollment.
A lower-premium Bronze plan may cost more overall for someone expecting frequent treatment. An eligible shopper might save more with a Silver plan offering lower deductibles and copayments.
Conclusion
ACA Open Enrollment 2027 brings higher benchmark premiums and changing subsidies, but individual costs will differ.
Consumers should compare actual after-subsidy prices, covered doctors and expected medical spending before selecting or renewing coverage.
On HealthCare.gov, enroll by December 15, 2026, for coverage beginning January 1, 2027, provided the initial premium is paid.
