Skip to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.Join todayAlready a member? Log inBrittney DonovanSunday 01 November 2026 20:03 GMTAcross the board, healthcare experts predict less coverage and higher prices (Getty Images)The Affordable Care Act open enrollment period has begun across most states and runs through January 15, with enrollees facing higher coverage costs and fewer available plan options.Health insurance premiums on ACA marketplaces are projected to increase by an average of 13 percent in 2027, driven by rising medical costs, hospital concentration, and the expiration of pandemic-era subsidies.Big changes to the exchange include expiring financial assistance, rising rates, potential delays in working with a broker, new restrictions on immigrants, and stricter enrollment checks.Financial help, including premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, is now restricted for many groups of people who were previously eligible.Healthcare analysts predict overall enrollment in ACA health plans will decline in 2027 due to the combined impact of soaring premiums, stricter enrollment checks, and reduced federal financial support.In fullAmericans face higher costs and fewer options as Affordable Care Act open enrollment beginsMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in