I'll be straight with you: as of today nobody knows for certain what your insurance will cost in 2027. Not because it's a mystery, but because three things are still open — two in Congress and one in the courts — and none of them are settled. Here's where each one stands, plainly, and what makes sense to do in the meantime.
1. The enhanced subsidies already expired. The fight is over bringing them back
Let's start with what's already a fact: the enhanced subsidies expired on January 1, 2026. It isn't a future threat — it already happened, and you're already paying for it.
They're what made a great many families pay $0 or close to it. Without them, back comes the "400% cliff": if you earn above 400% of the federal poverty level, you lose the subsidy all at once.
That said, Congress hasn't closed the book on it:
| What happened | When | Where it landed |
|---|---|---|
| The Senate votes on an extension through 2028 | 2025 | Fell short of the 60 votes needed |
| The House passes an extension of three years | January 8, 2026 | Passed 230 to 196, with 17 Republicans in favor |
| Goes to the Senate | Since then | Still no vote; seen as unlikely |
| Negotiations on the CARE Act, a middle path | Ongoing | A two-year extension, with income caps and a minimum premium |
No extension has become law. One could arrive later in 2026 attached to other legislation, or it might not arrive at all. Plan around today's rules, not the ones you're hoping for.
2. The enrollment dates are in the courts
A federal rule was going to close enrollment for everyone on December 15. A federal judge vacated it in June 2026 and the government appealed in July. Until it's resolved, this is the calendar:
- November 1, 2026 — enrollment opens.
- December 15 — last day for your coverage to start on January 1.
- January 15, 2027 — close. Anyone who enrolls after December 15 isn't covered until February 1.
Those two dates get mixed up constantly, and the confusion costs a month without insurance.
And take note if you live in Georgia: the state has its own marketplace, Georgia Access, with its own calendar. Florida uses HealthCare.gov. It isn't the same process.
3. Premiums are rising, but not equally for everyone
This is where people go wrong most: they read a headline with a percentage and assume it applies to them.
| State | Increase for 2027 | Receive help |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 20.7% on average | 89% · $688/mo average |
| Florida | 3.9% to 39.1% depending on the carrier | over 95% · $740/mo average |
Look at Florida: the gap between the carrier that raises least and the one that raises most is 35 points. Staying on your plan without reviewing it can cost you hundreds of dollars a year out of pure inertia.
And those percentages are before the subsidy. In Florida, 34% of enrollees pay less than $10 a month after help. The headline and your bill are not the same thing.
So what should I do?
With so much unresolved, the temptation is to wait. That's exactly the wrong move.
- Enroll in November. If the lawsuit ends up shortening the window, you'll already be in. If it doesn't, you lose nothing.
- Don't auto-renew this year. With increases this uneven, the plan that was good in 2026 may be the worst one in 2027.
- Check whether your carrier is staying. Cigna is leaving Georgia and Florida; Sunshine State is also leaving Florida. If you have a plan with them, you'll have to switch no matter what.
- Run the numbers again even if you think you no longer qualify. The rules changed, but most people still receive help.
- Report it if your income changes. There's no longer a cap on what they can claw back at tax time.
Canceling your insurance because you got a high price, without comparing first. It's the most expensive decision there is, and the one I see most often.
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Sources
This article reflects the situation as of August 2026 and describes legislation and litigation that are not yet resolved. The figures may change. This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. For your specific case, ask me or contact HealthCare.gov at 1-800-318-2596, or Georgia Access at 1-888-687-1503 if you live in Georgia.