Written by: Gordon Alford | Co-founder of InsuRabbit.com | Published on: October 27, 2026
Finding affordable healthcare coverage starts with knowing where you can buy it, what financial help you may qualify for, and how to compare plans on total cost rather than the monthly premium alone.
For most people buying their own coverage, the official Health Insurance Marketplace is the place to start, because it is generally the only way to get premium tax credits. This guide walks through your options, what has changed for 2027 coverage, and how to choose a plan that fits your budget.
Quick answer: Start at HealthCare.gov or your state’s marketplace, apply to see whether you qualify for savings, and compare plans on their total yearly cost: premiums plus deductibles, copays, and the out-of-pocket maximum. Open enrollment for 2027 coverage begins November 1, 2026.
Health insurance rules, prices, and eligibility vary by state, income, and household. This article explains general concepts; it is not insurance, tax, medical, or legal advice. For decisions about your coverage, contact HealthCare.gov, your state’s marketplace, or a licensed professional.
What has changed for 2027 coverage
Before you shop, it helps to know the current landscape.
Open enrollment dates. HealthCare.gov lists November 1 as the first day of open enrollment, December 15 as the last day to enroll for coverage starting January 1, and January 15 as the last day of open enrollment.
However, states that run their own marketplaces can set different dates. For example, Justice in Aging reports that Covered California’s open enrollment runs from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027, with a December 31 deadline for January 1 coverage.
Extra federal subsidies have ended. Meanwhile, the enhanced premium tax credits that lowered costs for many shoppers expired at the end of 2025. According to KFF, marketplace enrollment with paid coverage fell about 12%, from 21.8 million in 2025 to 19.2 million in February 2026, after those credits expired.
Standard premium tax credits still exist, but many people now pay more than they did a year or two ago. As a result, comparing plans carefully matters more than ever. For broader context on rising costs, see how inflation affects insurance rates.
Where to find affordable health coverage
Your best option depends largely on your situation. The main sources of coverage include:
- Employer-sponsored plans. If your job offers coverage, your employer usually pays part of the premium.
- The Health Insurance Marketplace. If you buy your own coverage, start at HealthCare.gov. If your state runs its own marketplace, HealthCare.gov explains that it will send you to your state’s marketplace website.
- Medicaid and CHIP. Depending on your income and state, you or your children may qualify for low-cost or free coverage. A marketplace application tells you whether you may be eligible.
- Medicare. Generally for people 65 and older and for certain younger people with qualifying disabilities.
- A spouse’s or parent’s plan. Joining a family member’s employer plan may cost less than buying your own.
Plans are also sold outside the marketplace. However, premium tax credits generally do not apply to those plans, and some products, such as short-term health plans, may not include the same consumer protections as marketplace coverage.
How financial help works
If you buy coverage through the marketplace, two types of savings may lower your costs.
Premium tax credits reduce your monthly premium. HealthCare.gov notes that the amount depends on your household size and estimated income, and that you will see exact plan prices and savings when you fill out a marketplace application.
Cost-sharing reductions can lower your deductible, copays, and out-of-pocket maximum. They are available only on qualifying Silver plans for eligible enrollees.
Importantly, if you take your credit in advance, it must be squared up at tax time. The IRS explains that you reconcile advance credit payments on Form 8962 when you file your federal return, even if you would not otherwise need to file. The IRS also advises reporting life changes, such as a new job or a change in household size, to the marketplace as they happen. Otherwise, you could owe money back at tax time.
How to compare plans beyond the premium
A low monthly premium can hide high costs when you actually need care. Therefore, compare every plan on these points:
- Premium: what you pay each month
- Deductible: what you pay for covered care before the plan starts sharing costs
- Copays and coinsurance: your share of each visit, test, or prescription
- Out-of-pocket maximum: the most you pay for covered, in-network care in a year
- Provider network: whether your doctors and hospitals are in-network
- Prescription coverage: whether your medications are on the plan’s drug list
Understand the metal tiers
Marketplace plans fall into four “metal” categories. According to HealthCare.gov, the plan pays on average about 60% of costs for Bronze, 70% for Silver, 80% for Gold, and 90% for Platinum, and you pay the rest.
Notably, HealthCare.gov stresses that the categories have nothing to do with the quality of care you receive. People under 30, and those with certain hardship or affordability exemptions, may also qualify for lower-premium Catastrophic plans where available.
In general, Bronze plans suit people who expect few medical needs, while Gold or Platinum plans may cost less overall for people who see doctors often. Silver plans are the only tier that can include cost-sharing reductions.
Know the plan types
Plans also differ in how you get care. For instance, HMOs usually require you to stay in-network and may require referrals, while PPOs offer more flexibility at a higher cost. Similarly, EPOs cover in-network care except in emergencies, and POS plans blend HMO and PPO features. So, before you choose, confirm that your preferred doctors participate.
How to estimate your total yearly cost
To compare fairly, estimate what each plan would cost you over a full year:
- Light-use year: monthly premium × 12, plus a few copays
- Heavy-use year: monthly premium × 12, plus the plan’s out-of-pocket maximum
Comparing both scenarios shows you the real trade-off between a cheap premium and high costs when you need care. For a broader look at pricing, read our breakdown of what health insurance costs, and our guide to comparing insurance quotes online.
Tips by situation
- If you are self-employed: marketplace plans are often the main option, and premium tax credits may apply. If you also run your business from home, check whether you need business insurance for a home-based business, since health coverage does not protect your business.
- If your income is limited: apply through the marketplace; the application checks Medicaid and CHIP eligibility at the same time.
- If you are approaching 65: compare marketplace coverage with Medicare, which has its own enrollment periods and rules.
- If your employer offers coverage: compare the employee and family premiums with marketplace options, because an affordable employer offer can affect whether you qualify for premium tax credits.
Finally, review your coverage every year rather than letting it renew automatically, since premiums, networks, and drug lists can change. Our article on signs your insurance may be out of date explains what to watch for.
Frequently asked questions
When is open enrollment for 2027 health coverage?
On HealthCare.gov, open enrollment runs from November 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1. States with their own marketplaces may set different dates, such as Covered California’s January 31 deadline.
Is HealthCare.gov the only place to buy health insurance?
No, but it is the main place to get premium tax credits if your state uses it. If your state runs its own marketplace, HealthCare.gov sends you there.
Did health insurance subsidies end?
The enhanced premium tax credits expired at the end of 2025. Standard premium tax credits still exist for eligible marketplace enrollees. A marketplace application shows what you qualify for.
Is the plan with the lowest premium the cheapest?
Not necessarily. A low-premium plan often has a higher deductible and out-of-pocket maximum, so compare the total yearly cost for both a light-use and a heavy-use year.
Do I have to pay back premium tax credits?
Possibly. The IRS reconciles advance payments on your tax return using Form 8962. If your actual income ends up higher than you estimated, you may owe some back, so report changes to the marketplace promptly.
What does a Silver plan offer that others do not?
According to HealthCare.gov’s categories, a Silver plan pays about 70% of costs on average. In addition, Silver is the only tier that can include cost-sharing reductions for eligible enrollees.
The bottom line
So, how do you find the best, most affordable healthcare coverage? Start at HealthCare.gov or your state’s marketplace, apply to see which savings you qualify for, and compare plans on total yearly cost rather than the premium alone.
Above all, enroll on time: open enrollment for 2027 coverage begins November 1, 2026. To explore your options, you can compare health insurance plans on InsuRabbit at no cost.
