Health: HealthCare.gov open enrollment for 2027 opens with premiums 13% higher in the United States

Washington — Open enrollment for 2027 health coverage on HealthCare.gov began on Sunday, November 1, with benchmark silver plan premiums on average 13% higher than in 2026, according to a KFF analysis of federal data published on October 30.

The benchmark silver plan — the second-lowest-cost silver plan in each area — is the reference used to calculate federal premium assistance, so its price shapes what millions of people will pay. The increase averages 11% in states that use HealthCare.gov and 16% in states that run their own marketplaces, and it follows the 26% jump from 2025 to 2026: over two years, the cumulative increase is 42%, according to KFF.

It is the second year without the enhanced tax credits that expired at the end of 2025, so a larger share of the price falls on households. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) notes, however, that more than 75% of HealthCare.gov shoppers will still have access to premiums of $50 or less per month after tax credits. The out-of-pocket maximum rises to $12,000 per person and $24,000 per family in 2027.

Enrollment will remain open through January 15, 2027; those who enroll by December 15 will have coverage starting January 1, and those who enroll from December 16 to January 15 will be covered from February 1. KFF notes that paid enrollment fell to 19.2 million by February 2026, down 12%, after the enhanced credits ended. The practical advice is to compare total cost — not just the monthly premium — check that doctors and medicines are covered, and update income and household size before choosing.

Photo: AP

Source: KFF / CMS