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Maryland Open Enrollment Nov. 1: Baltimore Residents Face 14.6% Average 2027 Health Insurance Increase
BALTIMORE — Open enrollment for 2027 health insurance begins Sunday, Nov. 1, giving Maryland residents an opportunity to compare plans, review premiums and determine whether they qualify for financial
By Miles Carter · 2026-11-01T23:58:21.125Z
BALTIMORE — Open enrollment for 2027 health insurance begins Sunday, Nov. 1, giving Maryland residents an opportunity to compare plans, review premiums and determine whether they qualify for financial assistance.
Marylanders can enroll through Maryland Health Connection , the state's official health insurance marketplace. Open enrollment runs from Nov. 1, 2026, through Jan. 15, 2027 . Residents who enroll between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31 can have coverage begin Jan. 1, while those enrolling from Jan. 1 through Jan. 15 generally receive coverage beginning Feb. 1.
The enrollment period begins as Maryland consumers face higher individual health insurance premiums for 2027.
Maryland health insurance premiums rise 14.6% The Maryland Insurance Administration approved an average 14.6% increase in unsubsidized individual Affordable Care Act premiums for 2027.
State regulators said the increase reflects several factors, including higher hospital and prescription drug costs and changes in federal premium assistance and Marketplace eligibility.
Small businesses are also facing higher health insurance costs. Premiums in Maryland's small group market are increasing an average 10.2% for 2027.
Actual premium changes will vary depending on the insurer, plan, age, location, household size, income and eligibility for subsidies.
New Maryland premium assistance for 2027 Maryland has established a state premium assistance program through Maryland Health Connection for eligible residents with household incomes below 400% of the federal poverty level .
The program is designed to replace a portion of federal assistance that expired, although the amount available to each household will vary.
Approximately 70% of Maryland Health Connection customers receive a premium subsidy , while roughly 55% of people in the state's overall individual market receive assistance, according to the Maryland Insurance Administration.
What Maryland residents should check Baltimore area residents and consumers statewide should compare monthly health insurance premiums, deductibles, out of pocket limits, prescription drug coverage and whether their preferred doctors and hospitals remain in network.
Residents should also update their expected 2027 income and household information before renewing coverage because changes can affect premium tax credits and other savings.
Maryland Health Connection advises existing customers to review available plans rather than automatically remaining with their current coverage because plan prices and benefits can change from year to year.
Enrollment deadlines matter Residents who enroll between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31 can receive coverage beginning Jan. 1.
Those who enroll between Jan. 1 and Jan. 15 generally receive coverage beginning Feb. 1. Open enrollment closes Jan. 15.
After open enrollment ends, most residents need a qualifying life event to enroll in or change private Marketplace coverage. Events can include losing other health insurance, getting married, having a child or experiencing certain household or residency changes.
Maryland residents who qualify for Medicaid or the Maryland Children's Health Program can apply throughout the year.
Residents can compare 2027 health insurance plans, determine potential financial assistance and enroll through Maryland Health Connection .