Open Enrollment for 2027 Is Almost Here: 5 Things to Know Before You Shop for Health Insurance

Open enrollment for 2027 individual health coverage runs November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. To have coverage in place on January 1, you generally need to enroll by December 15 and pay your first premium. If you enroll between December 16 and January 15 and pay your first premium, your coverage starts February 1 instead. In Florida, you'll shop through HealthCare.gov.

This year's enrollment window comes with more moving parts than usual — premiums have jumped, the rules around subsidies changed, and a major local network change is about to affect thousands of Southwest Florida patients. Before you renew last year's plan on autopilot, walk through these five things.

1. Don't auto-renew — reshop every single year

The single most expensive mistake people make is letting their plan roll over automatically. Plans change their prices, their drug lists, and their provider networks every year. A plan that was the best deal for you in 2026 may be a poor fit for 2027.

Florida insurers have filed premium increases for 2027, and the specific increase varies widely by carrier. The only way to know whether your plan is still competitive is to log in during open enrollment and compare it against the other options in your area. Ten minutes of comparison can save hundreds of dollars a year.

2. Get your income estimate right — the subsidy cliff is back

When you apply, HealthCare.gov asks you to estimate your household income for 2027. That estimate determines your premium tax credit (the subsidy that lowers your monthly bill), and it gets reconciled on your tax return the following year. Estimate too low and you could owe money back at tax time; estimate too high and you overpay all year.

This matters more than it used to. The enhanced pandemic-era subsidies expired at the start of 2026, and the original ACA subsidy structure — including the hard cutoff at 400% of the federal poverty level — is back in effect for 2027. Earn a dollar over that line and you can lose your subsidy entirely, which for an older couple can mean thousands of dollars a month. If your income is anywhere near that threshold, it's worth planning carefully.

3. Check the network before you enroll — this is a big one in SWFL right now

A low premium means nothing if your doctor or hospital isn't covered. Always confirm your providers are in-network for the specific plan you're considering, not just the insurer generally.

This is especially urgent in Southwest Florida this year. Lee Health has announced it will be out-of-network for affected UnitedHealthcare employer-based, individual, and Medicare Advantage plans starting January 1, 2027; UnitedHealthcare Exchange/Marketplace plans already do not include Lee Health. If you or your family use Lee Health hospitals or physicians, this could directly affect which plan you should choose for 2027. We cover the details in our guide to the Lee Health and UnitedHealthcare network change [blocked].

4. Look past the premium to the total cost of care

The cheapest monthly premium is often the most expensive plan overall. A plan with a low premium usually comes with a high deductible, higher copays, and a higher out-of-pocket maximum — costs you only feel when you actually need care.

Before you choose, look at four numbers together: the monthly premium, the deductible, the out-of-pocket maximum, and how your regular prescriptions are covered. If you're generally healthy and rarely see a doctor, a lower-premium/higher-deductible plan may make sense. If you manage a chronic condition, take regular medication, or expect a procedure, a higher-premium plan with lower cost-sharing often costs less across the whole year.

5. Work with a licensed local agent — it costs you nothing

You can enroll on your own, but a licensed agent who knows the Southwest Florida market can compare plans across carriers, flag network problems like the Lee Health change, help you estimate income correctly, and make sure you're capturing every dollar of subsidy you qualify for. Ask about any fees before you enroll; compensation arrangements vary, and Marketplace enrollment assistance may be available at no cost.

With the subsidy rules shifting and a major local network change hitting at the same time, 2027 is not the year to guess. If you'd like a second set of eyes, we offer a free plan review [blocked] for individuals and families across Lee and Collier County.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is open enrollment for 2027 health insurance? November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027 in Florida. Enroll by December 15 and pay your first premium for coverage starting January 1; enroll December 16–January 15 and pay your first premium for coverage starting February 1.

Do I still qualify for a subsidy in 2027? Possibly. The enhanced subsidies expired at the end of 2025, but the original income-based ACA premium tax credits still exist. Whether you qualify depends on your household income and the cost of plans where you live. A licensed agent can check in a few minutes at no cost.

What happens if I miss open enrollment? You generally can't buy an individual plan until the next open enrollment unless you have a qualifying life event (losing job-based coverage, marriage, a new baby, a move) that opens a special enrollment period.

Why did my premium go up so much? Out-of-pocket premium payments rose sharply after the enhanced subsidies expired, and insurers filed further increases for 2027. We explain what changed in this article [blocked].

Roger Aboytes is the founder of Vantage Pointe Consulting, a licensed independent benefits consultant serving individuals and businesses across Southwest Florida. Questions about your 2027 coverage? Call (239) 273-9173.