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North Carolina Open Enrollment Nov. 1: Raleigh Residents Face Up to 27.36% Health Insurance Increase
RALEIGH, N.C. — Open enrollment for 2027 health insurance begins Sunday, Nov. 1, giving North Carolina residents an opportunity to compare Marketplace plans, review premiums and choose coverage for th
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-11-01T23:59:17.519Z
RALEIGH, N.C. — Open enrollment for 2027 health insurance begins Sunday, Nov. 1, giving North Carolina residents an opportunity to compare Marketplace plans, review premiums and choose coverage for the coming year.
North Carolina 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, while coverage for people enrolling from Dec. 16 through Jan. 15 generally begins Feb. 1.
The enrollment period begins as North Carolina consumers face higher individual health insurance premiums for 2027.
North Carolina health insurance increases reach 27.36% The North Carolina Department of Insurance says approved premium increases for individual Affordable Care Act coverage range from 8.35% to 27.36% , depending on the insurer.
Approved individual market increases include:
Ambetter of North Carolina: 8.35% AmeriHealth Caritas North Carolina: 9.93% Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina: 15.82% Oscar Health Plan of North Carolina: 16.48% UnitedHealthcare of North Carolina: 27.36% Small group health insurance increases range from 18.78% to 19.54% for 2027.
Actual premiums paid by consumers will vary depending on age, location, plan selection, household income and eligibility for Marketplace financial assistance.
State insurance officials said rising medical claims, health care costs and prescription drug expenses continue to put upward pressure on monthly premiums.
What North Carolina residents should check Raleigh area residents and consumers statewide should compare more than just monthly health insurance premiums when choosing coverage.
Consumers should review deductibles, co pays, out of pocket maximums, prescription drug benefits and whether preferred doctors, hospitals and other providers remain in network.
Households should also update their expected 2027 income and family information before selecting coverage because those details can affect the amount of Marketplace savings they receive.
HealthCare.gov allows consumers to enter a ZIP code, household size and estimated income to preview available health insurance plans and estimated prices before completing an application.
Enrollment deadlines matter Residents seeking health insurance coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2027 , should enroll or make changes by Dec. 15 .
Open enrollment continues through Jan. 15, 2027 . Coverage for residents enrolling between Dec. 16 and Jan. 15 generally begins Feb. 1.
After Jan. 15, most consumers must qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in or change Marketplace coverage.
Qualifying events can include losing other health insurance, getting married, having a child or certain changes in residence. Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program can accept applications throughout the year for people who qualify.
North Carolina residents can compare available 2027 health insurance plans, determine potential Marketplace savings and enroll through HealthCare.gov .