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South Carolina Open Enrollment Nov. 1: Columbia Residents Face 22.26% Average 2027 Health Insurance Increase
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Open enrollment for 2027 health insurance begins Sunday, Nov. 1, giving South Carolina residents an opportunity to compare Marketplace plans, review premiums and choose coverage for t
By Mason Reid · 2026-11-01T23:59:36.845Z
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Open enrollment for 2027 health insurance begins Sunday, Nov. 1, giving South Carolina residents an opportunity to compare Marketplace plans, review premiums and choose coverage for the coming year.
South 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 South Carolina consumers face substantial health insurance rate increases for 2027.
South Carolina Marketplace rates rise 22.26% on average The South Carolina Department of Insurance approved a 22.26% weighted average rate increase among insurers offering qualified health plans through the federal Marketplace for 2027.
Approved average increases vary significantly by insurer:
Absolute Total Care: 21.80% Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina: 22.00% InStil Health: 32.00% Select Health of South Carolina: 14.19% UnitedHealthcare of South Carolina: 38.73% Oscar Health Plan: new for 2027 Individual plan changes can vary even more. The Department of Insurance reports approved changes among Marketplace plans ranging from a 0.92% decrease to a 77.38% increase , depending on the insurer and plan.
Actual premiums paid by consumers will also depend on age, location, household income, plan selection and eligibility for Marketplace savings.
New health insurance choices for 2027 Six insurers are offering qualified health plans through HealthCare.gov in at least part of South Carolina for 2027.
Absolute Total Care and Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina are offering coverage statewide across all 46 counties.
Oscar Health Plan is new to South Carolina's Marketplace for 2027 and will offer coverage in Charleston, Colleton, Florence, Horry, Marion and York counties.
Select Health is expanding into seven additional counties, while UnitedHealthcare is leaving eight counties for 2027.
What South Carolina residents should check Columbia area residents and consumers statewide should compare monthly health insurance premiums, deductibles, co pays, prescription drug benefits and whether preferred doctors and hospitals remain in network.
Consumers should also update their expected 2027 household income and family information before enrolling because those details affect the savings shown through the Marketplace.
HealthCare.gov allows shoppers to enter their ZIP code, household size and estimated income to preview available plans and estimated prices. The estimates can include Marketplace savings for which a household may qualify.
Enrollment deadlines matter Residents seeking coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2027 , should enroll or make plan changes by Dec. 15 .
Open enrollment continues through Jan. 15, 2027 . Coverage for people enrolling from Dec. 16 through Jan. 15 generally begins Feb. 1.
After Jan. 15, most consumers need to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in or change Marketplace coverage. Qualifying events can include losing other health coverage, getting married, having a child or certain moves.
South Carolina residents can compare available 2027 health insurance plans and enroll through HealthCare.gov .