Pennsylvania Open Enrollment 2027: Dates, Insurers and Rate Changes

By Michael Sprague, Licensed Health Insurance Agent · Reviewed by Heather Sprague, Licensed Health Insurance Agent

Pennsylvania open enrollment runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 on Pennie. Pick a plan by December 15 if you want coverage to start January 1. Pennsylvania approved an average increase of about 16% for 2027 Pennie plans, and more than 200,000 people dropped Pennie coverage after the enhanced subsidies expired.

This guide covers the key dates, which insurers are selling plans in Pennsylvania for 2027, how much rates are changing and how to keep your costs down. For free help comparing plans, call a licensed Vivna agent at 888-730-6031.

Key Dates for Pennsylvania Open Enrollment

Date	What happens
November 1, 2026	Open enrollment starts on Pennie
December 15, 2026	Enroll by this date for coverage starting January 1, 2027
January 15, 2027	Open enrollment ends. Later enrollment needs a special enrollment period
After January 15	You need a qualifying life event for a special enrollment period

If you have a plan now and do nothing, Pennie may automatically renew you into the same or a similar plan. Auto-renewal can cost you money when rates and subsidies change, so compare first.

Which Insurers Sell Plans in Pennsylvania for 2027?

Pennsylvania has many Pennie insurers, and rates vary widely by company and region. Here are some approved 2027 average rate changes:

Insurer	2027 status	Approved average rate change
Oscar Health Plan of PA	Returning	1.4%
Geisinger Health Plan	Returning	8.6%
UPMC Health Plan	Returning	13.5%
Highmark Inc.	Returning	14.5%
Capital Advantage Assurance	Returning	14.8%
Keystone Health Plan East	Returning	16%
Health Partners Plans	Returning	18.3%
Keystone Health Plan Central	Returning	33.4%
Ambetter Health of Pennsylvania	Returning	35.1%

Plan choices vary by county. Enter your ZIP code on Pennie, or call 888-730-6031, to see which insurers serve your area.

How Much Are Rates Going Up in Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department approved a weighted average increase of about 16% for 2027 individual plans. Insurers had asked for 17.1%. Regulators cut many requests, though two insurers received more than they asked for because of worsening costs.

Because increases range from about 1% to 35%, switching insurers can save a lot this year. Compare before December 15.

How Subsidies Work in Pennsylvania for 2027

The enhanced federal subsidies that were in place from 2021 through 2025 expired. For 2027, premium tax credits are available to households with income from 100% to 400% of the federal poverty level that do not have access to affordable employer coverage. Above 400%, there is no subsidy.

Your subsidy is tied to the cost of the second-lowest-cost silver plan in your area. When that benchmark plan goes up, your subsidy usually goes up too. People who earn too much for a subsidy pay the full increase.

If your income is near the 400% line, small changes can make a big difference. See our guide to the ACA subsidy cliff.

Medicaid in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid. Adults with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level can generally qualify. Federal work requirements for many expansion adults start in 2027.

See our Pennsylvania health insurance page.

How to Enroll in Pennsylvania

• Gather your information: household members, Social Security numbers, income estimate for 2027 and current coverage details.
• Estimate your 2027 income carefully. Your subsidy is based on it, and you reconcile it at tax time.
• Compare plans: look at premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, networks and drug lists, not just the monthly price.
• Check your doctors and prescriptions in each plan's network and formulary.
• Enroll on Pennie or with a licensed agent at no extra cost.
• Pay your first premium to start coverage.

Ways to Lower Your Costs in Pennsylvania

• Compare bronze, silver and gold plans. If your income is under 250% of the poverty level, a silver plan may give you cost-sharing reductions.
• Consider an HSA-eligible bronze plan if you are healthy and want a tax-free savings account.
• Add hospital indemnity or accident insurance to a lower-premium plan to cover big bills.
• Use our open enrollment checklist so you do not miss a step.

Missed Open Enrollment in Pennsylvania?

After January 15, you can only enroll in a Marketplace plan if you have a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, moving, getting married or having a baby. If you do not qualify, a Pennsylvania short-term health insurance plan may bridge the gap until next year. See how to buy health insurance after open enrollment.

Open Enrollment for Pennsylvania Small Businesses

Employers can start a small group plan any month, but applications made November 15 to December 15 for a January 1 start skip the usual participation and contribution minimums. See our guide to Pennsylvania small business health insurance for group rules, continuation coverage, ICHRA and QSEHRA options.

Pennsylvania Open Enrollment: FAQ

When is open enrollment in Pennsylvania for 2027?

November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 on Pennie. Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1.

How many insurers sell Marketplace plans in Pennsylvania for 2027?

Pennsylvania has more than a dozen Pennie insurer entities, including Highmark, UPMC, Geisinger, Independence (Keystone), Capital Blue Cross, Oscar and Ambetter.

Are Pennsylvania health insurance premiums going up in 2027?

Yes. The approved average increase is about 16% before subsidies.

Can I get a subsidy in Pennsylvania?

Yes, if your household income is between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level and you do not have affordable employer coverage.

What if I miss the deadline?

You need a qualifying life event for a special enrollment period. Otherwise, you wait until the next open enrollment.

Next Steps for Pennsylvania open enrollment

Review your 2027 options before December 15, especially if your insurer is leaving or your rate is going up. See our national guide to open enrollment deadlines by state.

Want a licensed agent to help? Call 888-730-6031, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern, or request a free quote.

Sources

1. Pennsylvania Insurance Department: 2027 ACA rates
2. WHYY: Pennie 16% average premium increase
3. Pennie

Related Guides

• Open enrollment deadlines by state
• Open enrollment checklist
• ACA subsidy cliff
• If your insurer is leaving

Vivna Insurance is a licensed independent agency, not a government website. Our help is free; we are paid by the insurance companies we work with. Coverage options, deadlines and costs vary by plan and state.