If you buy your own health insurance, the next few weeks matter. Marketplace open enrollment for 2027 coverage begins November 1 in most states, and early signs point to a bumpy season: higher proposed premiums, insurers leaving some markets, and a bigger out-of-pocket maximum. The good news is that a little preparation now can save real money later. Here's a week-by-week plan to get you ready.
What's changing for 2027 (the short version)
According to a September 29, 2026 analysis from healthinsurance.org, the nationwide median proposed rate increase for 2027 individual-market plans is about 15%. Weighted average increases vary widely: under 7% in places like Vermont, New York, Iowa and Utah, and a proposed 29% in Arizona. Insurers are also leaving the marketplace in 24 states, which means hundreds of thousands of people have plans that will end on December 31, 2026. On the other side of the ledger, one new carrier is joining the marketplace in each of seven states: California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas.
The maximum a person can be asked to pay for covered in-network care in 2027 rises to $12,000.
The out-of-pocket maximum for an individual rises to $12,000 in 2027, up from $10,600 this year. That cap is the most you'd pay for covered, in-network care in a plan year, not what you'd expect to pay. But it's a useful stress test when you compare plans.
Four weeks out: gather the facts
Start with the plan you have now. Log in and write down four things: the plan name, your monthly premium, your deductible and your out-of-pocket maximum. Then look for the notice from your insurer. If your plan is being discontinued or changing, you should receive a letter or email explaining what happens next. Don't ignore it. If you do nothing and your plan is ending, you may be moved automatically into a different plan that isn't the best fit.
Next, list the doctors, specialists, hospitals and prescriptions you rely on. A cheaper premium doesn't help if your cardiologist is out of network or your medication moves to a higher tier.
Three weeks out: nail down your income
Premium tax credits are based on your expected household income for the coverage year, so this is the single most important number you'll enter. According to the same analysis, 87% of marketplace enrollees qualified for premium subsidies during open enrollment for 2026 coverage. The subsidies are generally pegged to the cost of a benchmark plan, so higher benchmark premiums can mean bigger credits, though the change won't necessarily line up with the plan you choose.
Note the other piece of context: federal subsidy enhancements that were in place in earlier years expired at the end of 2025, and some states have chosen to fund their own help. Rhode Island, for example, set aside $19 million to replace part of what was lost, and Virginia is joining the states that offer state-funded subsidies. If you live in one of those states, ask your exchange what's available.
Be honest and careful with your income estimate. If you overestimate, you may overpay each month. If you underestimate, you may owe money back at tax time. If you're self-employed or have irregular income, build a conservative midpoint and update it if things change during the year.
Two weeks out: check eligibility changes and verification steps
Several rules shift for 2027 coverage. Beginning with the 2027 plan year, federal subsidy eligibility for non-citizens is limited to lawful permanent residents, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and migrants from Compact of Free Association states. Refugees, asylees, people with Temporary Protected Status, and work- or student-visa holders no longer qualify for federal subsidies under the rules described in that analysis. Consumers in HealthCare.gov states may also need to complete extra identity-verification steps before enrolling, so don't wait until the last day to start. And if you're 30 or older and hoping for a catastrophic plan, you generally need a hardship or affordability exemption, since the broader eligibility rules from last fall are no longer in effect following a court ruling.
Oregon is moving to its own state-run platform, Explore Health, for 2027. If you live there, expect a new website and a new login.
One week out: compare plans the smart way
Metal tiers are a shortcut, not a verdict. Bronze plans carry the lowest premiums and highest deductibles. Gold and platinum plans flip that. A better method is to estimate your total yearly cost:
Total cost = (monthly premium x 12) + the out-of-pocket costs you realistically expect
Then add a worst-case figure: your premiums plus the out-of-pocket maximum. A low-use year might favor a bronze plan. A year with surgery, pregnancy or a chronic condition probably favors silver or gold. If you qualify for cost-sharing reductions, those are available only on silver plans and can lower your deductible dramatically, so look at silver carefully before you dismiss it.
A short checklist you can finish before the Nov. 1 start date.
Enrollment week: pick, confirm, and keep proof
- Create or update your marketplace account early, not on the final day.
- Enter your income estimate and review the subsidy amount shown.
- Filter plans by your doctors and drugs, then compare total costs.
- Pay your first premium on time. Coverage doesn't start until the insurer receives it.
- Save your confirmation, plan documents and member ID in one folder.
Open enrollment typically closes in December in most states, though deadlines vary, so confirm your exact date on HealthCare.gov or your state exchange.
Don't forget the HSA angle
If you pick a high-deductible health plan that qualifies, you may be able to open a Health Savings Account. The reported 2027 contribution limits are $4,500 for self-only coverage and $9,000 for family coverage, up from $4,400 and $8,750 in 2026. Check IRS guidance for the final numbers and eligibility rules.
Common mistakes to skip
- Auto-renewing without checking whether the plan, network or price has changed.
- Choosing by premium alone.
- Guessing at income instead of working from pay stubs or last year's return.
- Waiting for a final-day rush when verification steps can slow you down.
The bottom line
Higher premiums and insurer exits make this a year to shop actively rather than coast. Block out an hour a week for the next four weeks, work through the steps above, and bring your questions to a licensed navigator or broker if you get stuck. Help is free at HealthCare.gov and through your state exchange.
Source
This article is general education and not insurance, tax or legal advice. Premiums, subsidies, dates and eligibility rules vary by state and can change; confirm details with HealthCare.gov, your state exchange or a licensed professional.