Now is the time to compare your 2027 health insurance choices

NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey

The start of the new year is only a few weeks away, making this a good time to review health insurance plans and confirm that coverage will be in place for 2027.

The approved 2027 rates have recently been posted for people who obtain coverage through Affordable Care Act plans.

For North Carolinians with individual ACA coverage, premium increases will range from 8.35% to 27.36%. For small group policies, the increases will range from 18.78% to 19.54%.

Open enrollment for 2027 ACA policies runs from Nov. 1, 2026, through Jan. 15, 2027. To have coverage start on Jan. 1, 2027, people must enroll by Dec. 15, 2026. Those who sign up after that date will have coverage begin on Feb. 1, 2027.

Although the ACA increases are far smaller than last year’s, rising claims costs, healthcare expenses and prescription drug prices continue to drive monthly premiums upward. Anyone shopping for ACA health insurance should visit www.healthcare.gov, compare available choices and select the plan that best fits their needs and those of their family.

Anyone who needs help navigating the options can speak with a consumer specialist at the Department of Insurance by calling 855-408-1212 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Beyond ACA plans, North Carolinians may want to consider several other options:

• Enroll in job-based coverage. For many people and families, this may be the most affordable choice. If you are employed and your employer offers health benefits, you may qualify for coverage through your job even if you declined it before. Coverage may also be available through a spouse’s employer or, if you are under 26, through a parent’s employer.
• Buy a plan from a private insurer. You can purchase coverage through an agent or broker, or directly from an insurance company. Some plans may cost less than an ACA policy, but it is important to make sure they provide the coverage you need.
• Enroll in a student health plan. If you are under 30 and attending school, you may qualify for a student health plan. Contact your school to learn more.

People may also want to speak with an insurance agent who can review their personal circumstances and help explain the available options. If you are generally healthy and do not expect to need much medical care, you may want to ask about plans with higher deductibles and copays, which can help lower monthly premiums. That can be one way to balance risk and budget in case of an unexpected health emergency.

Higher premiums may be frustrating for many people, but keeping health insurance is still important. Without it, you and your family could face severe financial trouble if a medical emergency or serious accident happens.

A major accident or medical emergency can lead to hospital bills of tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. The risk of going without insurance may be too great to accept.