All articles tagged with #open enrollment
Walmart will cover over 250 prescriptions, including insulin and diabetes-focused GLP-1s, at no cost to employees in 2027. The retailer is also adding 12 weeks of NICU leave and expanding specialist access for rare diseases, while keeping premium increases minimal.
As 2027 open enrollment begins, approximately 5 million Americans are forced to switch Medicare Advantage plans due to widespread insurer withdrawals. Major carriers like UnitedHealth and Centene are exiting unprofitable markets, particularly in rural areas, leaving some counties with no coverage options. While average premiums may drop, out-of-pocket costs and prescription prices are rising, prompting experts to warn of increased financial hardship for older adults.
Major insurers are cutting 2027 Medicare Advantage plans and benefits to boost margins, despite lower premiums.
CMS data shows 2027 Medicare Advantage premiums will drop 16% to $12, but insurers are cutting plans and raising out-of-pocket costs to boost margins. Enrollment is projected to fall to 34 million, with major carriers like Centene and Humana exiting hundreds of counties.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) projects that average monthly premiums for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans will fall by 16% to $12 in 2027, down from $14.37 in 2026. While headline costs drop, insurers are significantly reducing the number of available plans and increasing cost-sharing to improve margins. Stand-alone Part D prescription drug premiums are expected to rise slightly to $36. Open enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, 2026.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that average monthly premiums for Medicare Advantage plans will decrease by 16% to $12 in 2027, while stand-alone Part D prescription drug premiums will rise slightly to $36. Although insurers predict enrollment declines, CMS expects higher participation. Open enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7.
Across ACA marketplace plans, employer-based coverage and Medicare, premiums are set to rise in 2027 due to higher medical costs and the end of pandemic subsidies. ACA premiums are expected to grow about 15% (after 2026’s 20%), with bronze plans adding roughly $80 per month for many; the expiration of subsidies has reduced enrollment and relief from White House rebates is uncertain. Employers will likely shift more costs to workers, while Medicare Part D premiums could rise about 6% as temporary offsets end, though the $2,400 drug-cost cap remains.
CMS approved a 2.48% funding uplift for 2027, adding over $13 billion to Medicare Advantage plans and giving insurers more room to hold premiums and maintain extra benefits like dental and vision; while overall health-care costs won't drop dramatically, the change could ease out-of-pocket costs for many seniors, making coverage more stable—so review plans during open enrollment.
Texas opened 2026 with a record 4.11 million Texans selecting ACA plans as of Jan. 3—about 6.5% more than 2025—marking a new state record, though the data are preliminary and may not reflect who will maintain coverage after payments. Open enrollment runs through Jan. 15 amid the expiration of enhanced subsidies and ongoing federal negotiations on a subsidy extension. Experts caution that auto-renewals and income levels will influence the final coverage numbers.
Enrollment in Affordable Care Act health plans through healthcare.gov has declined, with fewer Americans signing up during the latest open enrollment period.
NPR is seeking stories from individuals shopping for ACA health plans during open enrollment, amid uncertainty over the renewal of subsidies that have helped many afford coverage, with potential significant premium increases if subsidies expire in 2026.
UnitedHealth Group is profiting from the open enrollment period amid political deadlock over extending premium tax credits, highlighting how insurers benefit regardless of policy outcomes while consumers face rising costs.
Iowans are advised to review their Medicare plans ahead of 2026 changes, as new contract negotiations may alter coverage, premiums, and provider networks. The open enrollment period is from October 15 to December 7, and understanding the different Medicare options is crucial to avoid regret and maximize savings, with potential benefits including up to $5.1 billion in savings in 2026.
The 2026 ACA open enrollment begins with the largest cost increases since the law's inception, driven by rising premiums and the expiration of enhanced subsidies, leading many Americans to face higher costs or consider going uninsured. Enrollment runs from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15, with some state variations, and changes in subsidy eligibility may result in fewer people qualifying for financial assistance, potentially increasing the uninsured rate.
The upcoming ACA open enrollment starting Nov. 1 faces uncertainty due to potential expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, which could significantly increase premiums for many enrollees. Consumers should stay informed about legislative developments, update their account information, and carefully compare plan costs, especially if subsidies are not extended. Planning and flexibility are key, as lawmakers may still act to influence premiums and subsidies before the enrollment deadline.