ACA Open Enrollment for 2027: Dates, Price Hikes and How to Save

If you buy your own health insurance through HealthCare.gov or a state marketplace, open enrollment for 2027 coverage is happening now. Prices are rising in most states, some insurers are leaving, and auto-renewal could put you in a plan you didn't choose. Here is what to know.

Key dates

Some state-run marketplaces set different deadlines, so check your state's site. Outside open enrollment you generally need a qualifying life event (such as losing job coverage, moving, marriage or having a baby) to sign up.

What's changing for 2027

• Higher premiums: insurers proposed a median increase of roughly 15% for 2027, with wide variation by state.
• Insurer exits: some carriers are leaving certain markets. If your plan is discontinued, choose a replacement yourself rather than relying on automatic re-enrollment.
• Higher out-of-pocket maximum: the most you can be required to pay for covered in-network care rises to $12,000 for an individual.
• Narrower subsidy eligibility for some immigrants under new federal rules.

If you get a premium tax credit (subsidy), it rises along with the benchmark plan's price, which shields you from part of the increase. People who buy without subsidies pay the full increase.

How to choose a plan without overpaying

1. Update your income estimate. Subsidies are based on your expected 2027 household income. Estimate carefully: if you underestimate, you may have to repay extra subsidy at tax time.
2. Compare total cost, not just the premium. Add the yearly premium and your likely out-of-pocket costs (deductible, copays, coinsurance).
3. Look at the metal levels:
   • Bronze: lowest premiums, highest costs when you use care.
   • Silver: middle ground. If your income is low enough, silver plans come with cost-sharing reductions that lower your deductible, a benefit you only get on silver.
   • Gold/Platinum: higher premiums, lower costs when you need care.
4. Check networks and drugs. Confirm your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions are covered.
5. Consider pairing with an HSA. Bronze and catastrophic Marketplace plans became HSA-eligible starting in 2026, and the 2027 HSA limits rise to $4,500 (self) and $9,000 (family). See how HSAs work.

An example of comparing total cost

Hypothetical numbers for illustration. Your options and prices depend on your state, age, household size and income.

If you rarely see a doctor and have savings to cover the deductible, bronze may be cheaper overall. If you expect regular care, silver or gold may cost less in total.

Don't miss these

• Log in even if you plan to keep your plan. Prices and subsidies change every year.
• Report income changes during the year to avoid a surprise at tax time.
• Use only official sites (HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace) or licensed, registered agents. Be wary of unsolicited calls offering "free" plans.

Over 65? Medicare has its own enrollment period. See Medicare open enrollment explained.

Sources: HealthCare.gov; healthinsurance.org 2027 open enrollment coverage (November 2026).