Health Insurance Open Enrollment Starts Nov. 1 in Pennsylvania as Premiums Climb

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Open enrollment for 2027 health coverage starts Nov. 1 in Pennsylvania, and shoppers will face higher prices. State regulators have approved average premium increases of about 16 percent for next year.

The enrollment window on Pennie, Pennsylvania’s health insurance marketplace, runs Nov. 1 through Jan. 15. It is the annual chance for people who buy their own coverage to pick or change plans.

The stakes are higher this year. About 177,000 Pennsylvanians dropped their marketplace plans this year, a sign of affordability strain as premiums climb.

Experts say the most important step is to shop rather than auto-renew. Premiums, networks and drug coverage change year to year, and a plan that was the best deal last year may not be this year.

Shoppers should compare total costs, not just the monthly premium. Deductibles, copays and out-of-pocket maximums determine what care actually costs when it is needed.

Free help is available. Pennie offers enrollment assisters and brokers who can walk shoppers through options at no charge.

Anyone who misses the Jan. 15 deadline generally must wait until the next open enrollment unless they qualify for a special enrollment period after events like job loss or marriage.