A 2025 federal rule would have ended Open Enrollment by December 15 on HealthCare.gov (December 31 for state exchanges) starting with 2027 coverage — but a federal judge vacated that rule in June 2026. For now, the familiar Nov 1 – Jan 15 window stands in most states, though an appeal is possible and several state exchanges set their own earlier deadlines.
Our advice doesn't change either way: don't wait for the deadline. Enroll by mid-December for January 1 coverage, and let us track the litigation so you don't have to. We'll update this page the moment anything changes. Source: healthinsurance.org OE deadline tracker.
What to do: Get on the early-enrollment list →
On April 6, 2026 CMS finalized 2027 payment policies for Medicare Advantage and Part D — an average increase of about 2.48% in direct payments to MA plans (roughly 4.98% including risk-score trend), plus Part D model updates tied to the Inflation Reduction Act.
What that means for you: carriers are re-pricing and redesigning 2027 plans right now. Networks, drug lists and extra benefits will move again — which is why the plan you have today should be re-checked during AEP (October 15 – December 7, 2026), when 2027 plans go on sale. Source: CMS 2027 Rate Announcement.
What to do: Reserve a free AEP review →
With enhanced subsidies expired, the average premium people actually pay (after tax credits) rose about 58% — from roughly $113 to $178/month per person. Sign-ups fell by over a million to about 23.1 million, and average deductibles jumped ~37% to about $3,786 — with a record ~40% of enrollees picking Bronze plans.
Translation: more people are underinsured on high-deductible plans than ever, and many dropped coverage who could still qualify for real help. If you downgraded to Bronze or dropped out over price, have us re-run your subsidy and compare every carrier — including off-Marketplace options — before you settle. Source: KFF 2026 Marketplace analysis.
What to do: Re-check my real price →
Preliminary 2027 rate filings show Marketplace insurers largely proposing double-digit premium increases for a second straight year (per KFF's filing tracker).
Filings aren't final — regulators still review them — but the direction is clear: comparing every carrier at renewal matters more than it ever has. When Open Enrollment for 2027 starts November 1, don't auto-renew blind. We'll run the whole market for you, free.
What to do: Get on our renewal-review list →
Confirmed: under Senate Bill 972 (2023), Oregon must complete its move to a full state-based marketplace by November 1, 2026 — meaning Oregonians will shop 2027 plans on a new state platform, not HealthCare.gov. The state finalized its platform vendor in August 2025.
Every time a state launches its own exchange, enrollment portals, logins and agent certifications change — and confused consumers fall through the cracks. We're certified across state-run exchanges and will be ready on Oregon's day one; agents: this is a new certification to grab early. Source: OregonHealthCare.gov SBM Transition project.
What to do: Oregon coverage hub →
The enhanced premium tax credits that boosted savings from 2021–2025 expired December 31, 2025. Subsidies still exist, but they’re smaller, so many people saw their net premium rise for 2026.
Congress did not extend the enhanced credits, so the original ACA premium tax credit rules returned for 2026. The average premium people actually pay (after subsidies) rose sharply, and a smaller share of enrollees now qualify for help. If your 2026 premium jumped, it’s worth re-checking your subsidy, comparing plans, or looking at private and off-Marketplace options — a licensed advisor can run the numbers with you for free.
What to do: Re-shop my coverage →
Open Enrollment for 2026 Marketplace coverage ran November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026 in most states. Outside that window you need a qualifying life event to enroll.
A qualifying life event — losing coverage, moving, marriage, a new baby, and more — opens a Special Enrollment Period (usually 60 days) to sign up or change plans. If you don’t qualify for an SEP, private and short-term plans can start almost any time as a bridge. Not sure if you qualify? We can check in minutes.
What to do: Check if I qualify →
The annual out-of-pocket cap on covered Part D prescription drugs rose from $2,000 (2025) to $2,100 for 2026. Once you hit it, you pay $0 for covered drugs the rest of the year.
The cap that began in 2025 continues in 2026 at $2,100. The maximum Part D deductible is $615, and the average stand-alone Part D premium actually dropped to about $34.50/month. If your plan or drug list changed, it’s a good year to compare — an advisor can check your exact medications against 2026 plans.
What to do: Review my Medicare drug plan →
The standard Part B premium rose to $202.90/month for 2026, up from $185 in 2025. Higher-income beneficiaries pay more through IRMAA.
Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care. Most people pay the standard premium, which is usually deducted from Social Security. A Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan can help manage the costs Part B leaves behind — we can compare your options at no cost.
What to do: Compare Medicare plans →
The maximum in-network out-of-pocket limit for Medicare Advantage edged down to $9,250 in 2026 (from $9,350). Many plans set their limit lower.
Once you reach your plan’s out-of-pocket maximum, the plan pays 100% of covered in-network care for the rest of the year. Limits, networks and extra benefits vary a lot between plans, so comparing every year pays off.
What to do: See Advantage plans →
The Medicare AEP for 2027 coverage runs October 15 through December 7, 2026. It’s your window to switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans.
During AEP you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, with changes effective January 1. There’s also the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31) to make one change if you’re already in an Advantage plan. We’ll remind you and compare plans when the time comes.
What to do: Talk to an advisor →