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Delaware Open Enrollment Nov. 1: Wilmington Residents Face Double-Digit 2027 Health Insurance Increases
WILMINGTON, Del. — Open enrollment for 2027 health insurance begins Sunday, Nov. 1, giving Delaware residents an opportunity to compare Marketplace plans, review premiums and determine whether they qu
By Jenna Hartley · 2026-11-01T23:58:00.991Z
WILMINGTON, Del. — Open enrollment for 2027 health insurance begins Sunday, Nov. 1, giving Delaware residents an opportunity to compare Marketplace plans, review premiums and determine whether they qualify for financial assistance.
Delaware uses the federal Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov . Open enrollment runs from Nov. 1, 2026, through Jan. 15, 2027 . Residents who enroll or change plans by Dec. 15 can have coverage begin Jan. 1. Those enrolling from Dec. 16 through Jan. 15 generally can have coverage begin Feb. 1.
The enrollment period begins as Delaware consumers face significant health insurance rate increases for 2027.
Delaware health insurance rates rise for 2027 Two insurers are offering individual Marketplace health plans in Delaware for 2027: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware and AmeriHealth Caritas .
Highmark requested an average 20.2% rate increase , while state regulators approved an average increase of 17.2% .
AmeriHealth Caritas received a final approved average increase of 13.94% .
Highmark plans to offer 16 comprehensive Marketplace plans and one catastrophic plan , while AmeriHealth Caritas will offer nine Marketplace plans for 2027.
Actual premium changes will vary depending on the plan, age, location, household income and eligibility for financial assistance.
What Delaware residents should check Wilmington area residents and consumers statewide should compare monthly health insurance premiums, deductibles, out of pocket maximums, prescription drug benefits and whether preferred doctors and hospitals remain in a plan's network.
Consumers should also update expected household income and family information when applying because those details can affect eligibility for premium tax credits and other Marketplace savings.
The Delaware Department of Insurance says 8 in 10 Delawareans who qualify for Marketplace coverage qualify for some level of financial assistance to reduce monthly premiums.
All ACA compliant Marketplace plans include essential health benefits, including prescription drugs, emergency services, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental and behavioral health services, preventive services and telehealth coverage.
Enrollment deadlines matter Residents seeking coverage beginning Jan. 1 should enroll or make plan changes by Dec. 15 .
Open enrollment continues through Jan. 15, 2027 . Consumers enrolling between Dec. 16 and Jan. 15 generally receive coverage beginning Feb. 1.
After Jan. 15, most residents must qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in or change Marketplace coverage. Qualifying life events can include losing job based health insurance, moving, getting married or having a child.
Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program can accept applications throughout the year for people who qualify.
Delaware residents can compare 2027 health insurance plans, determine potential premium savings and enroll through HealthCare.gov . The state's Choose Health Delaware program also provides information about Marketplace coverage and enrollment options.