Open Enrollment 2027: How to Cut Your Premiums

Last updated November 5, 2026

Open enrollment 2027 for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans runs from November 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027. To start coverage on January 1, sign up by December 15. Premiums are rising again, so careful shopping matters more than ever.

This guide explains the key dates, why costs are up and simple ways to lower what you pay.

This article is for general information only. It is not medical, legal or financial advice. Prices and rules may change, so check your marketplace before you choose a plan.

Key Takeaways

• Open enrollment for most states runs from November 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027.
• Sign up by December 15 if you want coverage to begin on January 1.
• Insurers asked for a median premium increase of 15 percent for 2027.
• Enhanced premium tax credits ended, but the original Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits still help millions.
• Comparing plans, updating your income and checking bronze plans can cut your costs.

On This Page

• Open Enrollment 2027 Dates
• Why Premiums Are Going Up
• What Changed for 2027
• How Premium Tax Credits Work
• Smart Ways to Cut Your Premiums
• Who Should Review Their Plan First
• Bronze, Silver or Gold
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• What If You Miss the Deadline?

Open Enrollment 2027 Dates

Open enrollment is the yearly window to buy or change a marketplace health plan. Outside this window, you usually need a qualifying life event to sign up.

On HealthCare.gov, the window runs from November 1, 2026, through January 15, 2027. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) confirmed these dates.

Your sign-up date decides when your coverage starts.

About 20 states and Washington, D.C., run their own marketplaces. Some of them set different deadlines. California, New York, New Jersey and several others may give you extra time.

So if your state runs its own exchange, check its website for the exact dates.

Why Premiums Are Going Up

Health plan prices rose sharply in 2026. Now they are climbing again for 2027.

KFF is a nonprofit health research group. Insurers proposed a median 15 percent increase for 2027, based on KFF’s review of rate filings from 276 insurers. That follows a finalized median increase of about 20 percent in 2026.

Insurers point to several reasons. Hospital and doctor prices keep rising. General inflation and staff shortages add to the bill.

In addition, the enhanced premium tax credits expired at the end of 2025. As a result, some healthier people left the market, which raised costs for those who stayed.

What Changed for 2027

Several changes affect shoppers this year. Knowing them helps you avoid surprises.

Bigger Bills for Many Enrollees

Without the enhanced credits, many people pay more out of pocket. Shopping around matters more than ever.

People who earn too much for a tax credit feel the biggest impact. Many of them have already moved to cheaper bronze plans.

Some Insurers Have Left

Several insurers left the marketplaces for 2027. That means the plan you had last year may no longer exist.

If your plan is gone, the marketplace may move you into a similar plan. However, that plan may not cover your doctors, so review it closely.

More Plan Choices in Many Areas

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expects about 100 plans per HealthCare.gov shopper on average. The agency also expects about 35 plans on average to work with a health savings account (HSA).

Stricter Checks on Enrollment

New rules bring tighter checks on income and identity. Some people may need to send documents before the marketplace confirms their coverage.

Because of this, apply early and keep your paperwork ready. A late document could delay your coverage.

How Premium Tax Credits Work

Premium tax credits lower your monthly premium. The amount depends on your household income, your family size and the cost of plans near you.

You can take the credit in advance each month. Alternatively, you can claim it when you file your taxes.

The enhanced credits that started in 2021 ended after 2025. Still, the original Affordable Care Act (ACA) credits remain for people within the income limits.

If your income changes during the year, report it to the marketplace. Otherwise, you may owe money back at tax time.

Also, people with affordable job-based coverage usually cannot get a tax credit for a marketplace plan.

Smart Ways to Cut Your Premiums

Rising prices do not mean you have to overpay. These steps can help you find a better deal.

1. Do Not Rely on Auto-Renewal

If you do nothing, the marketplace will often renew your current plan. However, your old plan’s price may have jumped.

Log in and compare plans every year. A few minutes of shopping could save you hundreds of dollars.

2. Update Your Income and Household

Your tax credit depends on what you report. A new job, a raise or a new baby can change the amount.

Enter your best estimate for 2027 income. That way, your credit matches your real situation.

3. Compare the Total Yearly Cost

The lowest premium is not always the cheapest plan. A low monthly price often comes with a high deductible.

Add your yearly premiums to the money you might spend on care. Then compare that total across plans.

4. Check Your Doctors and Drugs

Before you choose, confirm that your doctors are in the plan’s network. Also check that your prescriptions are on the plan’s drug list.

Switching to a plan without your doctors can cost far more later.

5. Look at Bronze and Catastrophic Plans

Bronze plans have the lowest premiums among the main metal levels. They suit people who rarely see a doctor.

Catastrophic plans can be even cheaper for some people. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) says the cheapest catastrophic plan costs nearly 10 percent less.

6. Ask About Cost-Sharing Reductions

If your income is modest, a silver plan may come with cost-sharing reductions. These lower your deductible and copays.

Only silver plans offer this extra help. So check whether you qualify before you pick bronze.

7. Estimate Your Yearly Cost

Use this quick tool to add up your premiums and expected care costs.

Who Should Review Their Plan First

Everyone should compare plans this year. Still, some groups face bigger changes than others.

People Earning Too Much for a Tax Credit

If your income is above the tax credit limit, you pay the full premium. Rising prices hit you directly.

For you, a bronze plan or a plan that works with a health savings account (HSA) may offer real savings. Compare the yearly total, not just the monthly price.

Older Adults Before Medicare

People in their 50s and early 60s often pay the highest premiums. Without the enhanced credits, their bills can jump sharply.

Check whether your income now qualifies you for the original tax credit. Even a small credit can lower your monthly cost.

Families With Changing Income

Gig workers, freelancers and seasonal workers often see their income rise and fall. That makes the tax credit harder to estimate.

Update your income whenever it changes during the year. This step can protect you from a large bill at tax time.

Anyone Whose Insurer Left

If you got a letter saying your insurer is leaving, act now. Pick a new plan yourself instead of waiting for an automatic switch.

Bronze, Silver or Gold

Marketplace plans come in metal levels. Each level splits costs between you and the insurer in a different way.

Every marketplace plan must cover essential health benefits. These include emergency care, preventive care and prescription drugs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few simple errors can cost you money or coverage. Watch out for these.

First, do not guess your income. A big mistake can mean a surprise tax bill.

Next, do not wait until the last day. Websites can slow down, and stricter checks may need extra time.

Also, beware of fake websites and pushy sales calls. Use HealthCare.gov or your official state marketplace.

Finally, do not skip the fine print. Check the deductible, the out-of-pocket maximum and the network before you enroll.

What If You Miss the Deadline?

If you miss open enrollment, you usually must wait until next year. However, some life events open a special enrollment period.

These events include losing other health coverage, moving, getting married or having a baby. In most cases, you have 60 days after the event to sign up.

People who qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) can apply any time of year.

• Log in to HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace
• Update your 2027 income and household size
• Compare at least three plans by total yearly cost
• Check that your doctors and drugs are covered
• See if you qualify for cost-sharing help on silver plans
• Enroll by December 15 for January 1 coverage

Test Yourself

Frequently Asked Questions

When is open enrollment for 2027?

On HealthCare.gov, open enrollment runs from November 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027. Some state marketplaces have different dates.

What is the deadline for coverage starting January 1, 2027?

You generally need to enroll by December 15, 2026, for coverage that starts on January 1.

Why are Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums higher in 2027?

Insurers cite rising health care prices, inflation and the end of the enhanced premium tax credits.

Will my plan renew automatically?

Often yes, but your price and benefits may change. It is smart to compare plans each year.

Wrapping Up

Open enrollment is your best chance to control health costs for 2027. Log in early, update your income and compare the full yearly cost of each plan.

While you are planning, review our year-end money moves. They can help you use benefits like a flexible spending account before the year ends.

Stay well this season with our winter habits that boost immunity. On Medicare instead? See our Medicare open enrollment 2027 guide.

Editor’s Note

This guide is accurate as of November 5, 2026. Plan prices, deadlines and rules can change, and they vary by state. Always confirm details on HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace.

Spot an error in this article? Please contact us at support@digieh.com or read our Corrections Policy.

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