My ACA Health Insurance Is Getting Too Expensive—What Are My Options for 2027?

Start by reviewing your Marketplace application

Your financial assistance depends on your eligibility, expected household income, household size, and available plans. Update your application for 2027 instead of assuming last year’s information still applies. Changes can affect how much assistance you receive—and inaccurate information could mean having to repay excess tax credits.

Compare more than the monthly premium

When reviewing plans, ask:

• Are my doctors and preferred hospitals in the network?
• Are my prescriptions covered, and at what cost?
• What are the medical and prescription deductibles?
• What will I pay for primary care, specialists, and urgent care?
• What is my annual out-of-pocket maximum for covered, in-network care?

Think about both an ordinary year and a year when you need significant medical care. A plan that saves money each month could leave you paying more when you use it.

If you qualify for cost-sharing reductions, you must enroll in an eligible Silver Marketplace plan to receive those additional savings on deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Don’t overlook that possibility when comparing Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans.

What about plans outside the ACA Marketplace?

First, understand that “outside the Marketplace” does not automatically mean “non-ACA.” Some individual major medical plans sold directly by insurers are ACA-compliant, but Marketplace premium tax credits cannot be applied to them.

Other products—such as short-term medical and fixed-indemnity plans—have different protections and limitations. Short-term coverage may require health questions and exclude preexisting conditions. Fixed-indemnity coverage pays specified benefits for covered events, which may be much less than the actual medical bill. These products are not equivalent substitutes for comprehensive ACA coverage.

Before choosing an alternative, ask what it excludes, how much it pays, whether your medical history affects coverage, and what happens when the policy ends.

Get help before making a change

Bring your renewal notice, doctors’ names, medication list, and estimated 2027 household income to your review.