Open Enrollment for 2027 health insurance has begun in the United States, giving millions of Americans the opportunity to select a new plan or make changes to their existing coverage. However, experts warn that choosing the wrong plan could lead to significantly higher monthly expenses, unexpected medical bills and limited access to doctors.
The enrollment period began on November 1, 2026. Those who want their new coverage to take effect on January 1, 2027, generally must select a plan by December 15, 2026.
According to the official HealthCare.gov website, the federal Marketplace enrollment period runs through January 15, 2027. People who enroll after December 15 and by the January deadline will generally have coverage beginning February 1.
Deadlines may differ in some states, so residents should check the official health insurance marketplace for their state.
1. Review How Much You Spent on Health Care Last Year
Before choosing a new health insurance plan, experts recommend reviewing medical expenses over the previous 12 months.
This includes doctor visits, specialist consultations, laboratory tests, prescription medications, emergency care and any hospital stays.
Mychal Winter, president of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP), emphasizes the importance of considering potential health care needs in the coming year as well.
A plan that was affordable in 2026 may not be the best option for 2027, particularly if you expect additional appointments, treatments or medical procedures.
2. Compare the New Health Insurance Premiums
One of the most important factors is the monthly premium — the amount you regularly pay to maintain your health insurance coverage.
According to Winter, rising health care costs, medical staffing expenses and inflationary pressures could lead to higher premiums for some plans.
That is why automatically renewing your existing insurance may not be the best approach.
Consumers should check how much their current plan will cost next year and compare it with other available options.
The lowest monthly premium does not necessarily mean the most affordable health insurance plan.
A plan with a lower premium may require significantly higher out-of-pocket payments when you actually need medical care.
3. Make Sure Your Doctor and Hospital Accept the Plan
One of the most common mistakes when choosing health insurance is assuming that the same doctors and hospitals will remain available under the plan next year.
Contracts between insurance companies and health care providers can change. A doctor who was previously part of a plan’s network may no longer be covered under the same terms.
It is therefore essential to check whether your primary care physician, specialists and preferred hospitals are included in the plan’s provider network, commonly referred to as in-network.
Pay particular attention to the differences between HMO and PPO plans.
PPO plans generally offer greater flexibility when choosing doctors and specialists, but receiving care outside the network can be more expensive.
For people who regularly see specific specialists, this can be an important factor in choosing coverage.
4. Understand Deductibles and Out-of-Pocket Maximums
Many Americans focus only on the monthly insurance premium when comparing plans, overlooking other important costs.
One of these is the deductible — the amount a policyholder must pay for certain covered health care services before the insurance plan begins sharing the costs according to its terms.
Consumers should also understand:
- Copayment (copay): A fixed amount paid for certain medical visits or services.
- Coinsurance: The percentage of covered costs a patient pays after meeting the deductible.
- Out-of-pocket maximum: The most a person will have to pay during the year for covered, in-network services under the plan.
For example, a plan with a low monthly premium may have a high deductible, meaning the policyholder could face substantial expenses before insurance begins covering a larger share of medical costs.
Experts recommend considering whether you could financially manage unexpected treatment or hospitalization.
5. Check Whether You Qualify for a Health Savings Account (HSA)
Another option consumers may want to consider is a Health Savings Account (HSA), a special savings account designed to help pay for qualified medical expenses.
HSAs offer tax advantages to eligible individuals. Contributions can be used for certain medical expenses, including eligible deductibles and other qualified costs.
One important benefit is that unused HSA funds roll over from year to year rather than automatically expiring at the end of the calendar year.
Depending on the account, funds may also earn interest or be invested, making an HSA a potential tool for longer-term health care savings.
However, not every health insurance plan qualifies. Consumers should check whether their plan meets HSA eligibility requirements.
Important Health Insurance Enrollment Dates for 2027
For Americans using HealthCare.gov and the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, the key dates are:
- November 1, 2026: Open Enrollment begins.
- December 15, 2026: Deadline to select a plan for coverage beginning January 1, 2027.
- January 1, 2027: Coverage begins for those who enrolled by December 15 and pay their first premium.
- January 15, 2027: Open Enrollment ends on the federal Marketplace.
- February 1, 2027: Coverage generally begins for those who enroll between December 16 and January 15 and pay their first premium.
It is important to note that Medicare has a separate Open Enrollment period, running from October 15 through December 7. Employees who receive health insurance through their employers should check their company’s enrollment deadlines.
What Chicago and Illinois Residents Should Know
For residents of Chicago and other parts of Illinois who purchase their own health insurance, Open Enrollment is an opportunity to compare available plans, premiums, provider networks and potential financial assistance.
Consumers should also check whether they qualify for subsidies that can reduce monthly insurance costs.
Illinois residents should use the state’s official health insurance marketplace, Get Covered Illinois, to compare available plans and review eligibility for financial assistance.
The state’s 2027 Open Enrollment period runs from November 1, 2026, through January 15, 2027. Residents who enroll by December 15 can receive coverage starting January 1, while those who enroll by January 15 can generally begin coverage on February 1.
Free enrollment assistance is also available through certified navigators and licensed brokers. Illinois residents can visit GetCoveredIllinois.gov or call 1-866-311-1119 for help.
After the regular enrollment period ends, people generally can change or purchase Marketplace coverage only if they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Qualifying circumstances may include losing previous health coverage, getting married, moving or having a child.
The most important advice is not to choose health insurance based on the monthly premium alone. Total annual costs, access to doctors and the scope of coverage can make a significant difference to a family’s budget throughout 2027.
