When is open enrollment for 2027 health insurance?

ACA Marketplace open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs from November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027 on Healthcare.gov. Some state-based marketplaces may have different deadlines. Medicare open enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, 2026. Employer open enrollment periods vary by company but typically fall between September and November 2026.

How much are premiums increasing for 2027?

ACA Marketplace premiums are proposed to increase about 15% on average for 2027 (following 20% in 2026). Employer-sponsored plans are projected to rise 8-10%. Medicare Part B premiums are expected to increase roughly 12%. These are averages — your specific increase depends on your plan, location, and age.

Should I change my health insurance plan for 2027?

Probably yes. Plans change every year in cost, network, and benefits. The cheapest plan last year may not be cheapest this year. Spending 30 minutes comparing options during open enrollment could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. At minimum, check if your doctors are still in-network and if your prescriptions are still on the formulary.

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Open Enrollment 2027: Dates, Premium Changes, and How to Prepare

Updated September 2026 · 10 min read

Open enrollment for 2027 health insurance is approaching fast, and this year the stakes are higher than ever. ACA premiums are proposed to rise another 15% on average, employer plans are up 8-10%, and Medicare Part B premiums are jumping nearly 12%. The choices you make during open enrollment — or the choices you fail to make by auto-renewing without comparing — could cost you thousands of dollars. Here is your complete preparation guide.

Open Enrollment Toolkit — All Free

Check Your Subsidy OOP Calculator HSA Savings FSA Calculator

Key Dates for 2027 Coverage

Employer open enrollment: typically September through November 2026 (check with your HR department)
Medicare open enrollment: October 15 through December 7, 2026
ACA Marketplace (Healthcare.gov): November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027
State-based marketplaces: dates vary — California and New York typically extend through January 31

What Is Changing for 2027

ACA Marketplace

Insurers are proposing an average premium increase of about 15% for 2027, according to KFF. This follows the 20% increase in 2026. The biggest drivers are rising medical costs, GLP-1 drug spending, and the continued adjustment to the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits. If your income qualifies you for subsidies, your actual increase will be smaller because subsidies adjust with premiums. Check your subsidy eligibility →

Employer Plans

Employer-sponsored plan costs are projected to rise 8-10% for 2027. Many employers will pass more of this increase to workers through higher premium shares, larger deductibles, and increased copays. Your open enrollment packet may show a modest premium change but hide significant deductible increases. Compare total annual cost, not just monthly premiums, using our Out-of-Pocket Calculator.

HSA and FSA Limits

For 2027, HSA limits rise to $4,500 (self-only) and $9,000 (family), up from $4,400 and $8,750 in 2026, with the $1,000 catch-up for those 55+ unchanged. The 2026 FSA limit is $3,400; the IRS typically announces the 2027 FSA limit in late fall. See the full 2027 HSA limits guide → Calculate your HSA tax savings →

Your Open Enrollment Checklist

Do NOT auto-renew. Plans change every year. The 30 minutes you spend comparing could save $500-$2,000.
Check your ACA subsidy. Even if you did not qualify last year, premium increases may change your eligibility. Check now →
Calculate total annual cost. Multiply monthly premium by 12, then add expected out-of-pocket costs using our calculator. The cheapest premium is not always the cheapest plan overall.
Evaluate HDHP + HSA. A high-deductible plan with an HSA can save you thousands in taxes annually. See your savings →
Right-size your FSA. Do not over-elect and lose money. Do not under-elect and miss tax savings. Find your sweet spot →
Verify your doctors and medications. Check that your providers are still in-network and your prescriptions are on the formulary. Switch plans if they are not.
Compare prescription costs. Your medications may be cheaper through a different channel. Compare options →
Build your emergency fund. Higher deductibles mean higher exposure. Size your target →

If You Lost Coverage or Are Considering Dropping It

With rising costs, some people are considering going uninsured. Before making that decision, check your ACA subsidy — you may qualify for a plan that costs less than you think. If you recently lost employer coverage, compare COBRA against ACA Marketplace options with our COBRA vs ACA Calculator.

Remember: going uninsured means one medical emergency could result in tens of thousands in debt. Even a basic Bronze plan with a high deductible caps your worst-case at the out-of-pocket maximum ($12,000 for an individual in 2027).

Sources: KFF, PwC Health Research Institute, CMS, NBC News, Healthcare.gov. Dates and projections reflect reporting through September 2026 and may be updated as final rates are filed. This article is for educational purposes only and is not insurance or financial advice.