Virginia Open Enrollment 2027: Dates, Insurers and Rate Changes

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

Virginia open enrollment runs from November 1, 2026 to January 29, 2027 on Virginia's Insurance Marketplace. Pick a plan by mid-December if you want coverage to start January 1. Virginia has one of the longest enrollment windows, through January 29, 2027. Cigna is leaving, and a new state Premium Savings Program can lower costs for some households.

This guide covers the key dates, which insurers are selling plans in Virginia 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 Virginia Open Enrollment

Date	What happens
November 1, 2026	Open enrollment starts on Virginia's Insurance Marketplace
mid-December, 2026	Enroll by this date for coverage starting January 1, 2027
January 29, 2027	Open enrollment ends. Later enrollment needs a special enrollment period
After January 29	You need a qualifying life event for a special enrollment period

If you have a plan now and do nothing, Virginia's Insurance Marketplace 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 Virginia for 2027?

Virginia had eight Marketplace insurers in 2026. Seven remain for 2027. Here are some approved average rate changes:

Insurer	2027 status	Approved average rate change
CareFirst	Returning	5.8%
Group Hospitalization and Medical Services (CareFirst)	Returning	8.4%
Other Virginia Marketplace insurers	Returning	See your plan notice
Cigna	Leaving the Marketplace	Not applicable

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

How Much Are Rates Going Up in Virginia?

Virginia regulators approved a weighted average increase of 15.8% for 2027, before subsidies. Insurers had proposed increases from 3.9% to 22.7%.

Virginia also launched a state-funded Premium Savings Program for households between 138% and 250% of the federal poverty level, which can lower net premiums on top of federal tax credits. Check eligibility on the Marketplace.

How Subsidies Work in Virginia 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 Virginia

Virginia 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 Virginia health insurance page and our guide to Cigna leaving the Marketplace.

How to Enroll in Virginia

• 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 Virginia's Insurance Marketplace or with a licensed agent at no extra cost.
• Pay your first premium to start coverage.

Ways to Lower Your Costs in Virginia

• 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 Virginia?

After January 29, 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 Virginia short-term health insurance plan may bridge the gap until next year. See how to buy health insurance after open enrollment.

Virginia Open Enrollment: FAQ

When is open enrollment in Virginia for 2027?

November 1, 2026 to January 29, 2027 on Virginia's Insurance Marketplace. Enroll by mid-December for coverage that starts January 1.

How many insurers sell Marketplace plans in Virginia for 2027?

Seven insurers, down from eight. Cigna is leaving.

Are Virginia health insurance premiums going up in 2027?

Yes. The approved average increase is 15.8% before subsidies.

Can I get a subsidy in Virginia?

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 Virginia 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. Virginia's Insurance Marketplace
2. Cardinal News: Virginia open enrollment and state subsidies
3. healthinsurance.org: Virginia Marketplace

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.