ACA Open Enrollment 2027 in Ohio: Dates, Subsidies and What Changed

When is ACA Open Enrollment for 2027 in Ohio?

Ohio uses HealthCare.gov, so Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs from November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 and your coverage starts January 1. Enroll between December 16 and January 15, and coverage starts February 1.

CMS confirmed these dates in August 2026 after a court struck down a shorter enrollment window. Michigan, Indiana and Florida also use HealthCare.gov and follow the same schedule. You can enroll on HealthCare.gov, by calling 1-800-318-2596, or with help from a licensed agent like Kris. Agent help with Marketplace enrollment doesn’t add to your premium.

Outside Open Enrollment, you generally need a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, moving, or having a baby, to sign up or change plans. So this window is your main chance to pick the right plan for 2027. Mark December 15 on your calendar if you want coverage from the first day of the year.

What changed: enhanced tax credits expired

The biggest change for 2027 is money. The enhanced premium tax credits that made Marketplace plans more affordable in recent years expired at the end of 2025. As of October 2026, Congress has not restored them. For many Ohio households, that means the price you see for 2027 may look quite different from what you paid this year.

That means the original subsidy rules from the Affordable Care Act are back. Premium tax credits still exist, but they may be smaller for many households. Some people who paid little or nothing for a plan may now see a higher monthly cost. Others may see smaller changes. Your own result depends on your details.

The amount of help you get still depends on your household income, household size, and the cost of the benchmark Silver plan where you live. Two neighbors with similar incomes can get different amounts if their household sizes differ. The only way to know your number is to run a fresh quote with your 2027 income estimate.

The 400% FPL subsidy cliff is back

For 2027, premium tax credits are generally available for household incomes from about 100% to 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Above 400%, there is generally no credit at all. This is often called the subsidy cliff, because help doesn’t taper off gradually. It simply stops.

The cliff matters most for early retirees, self-employed people, and middle-income families. Earning just a little over the limit can mean losing the entire credit, not just part of it. If your income is close to that line, careful estimating becomes very important. A single bonus or retirement withdrawal could make the difference.

Your tax professional can help you understand which income counts and whether retirement contributions or other choices may change your estimate. Kris can then show you what plans cost at different income levels so you can make an informed choice. Together, those two conversations give you a clearer picture before you commit to a plan.

The poverty guidelines used for 2027 coverage are published by the federal government and depend on household size. Rather than guessing, enter your household and income details on HealthCare.gov or ask Kris to run the numbers with you. Seeing your estimated credit before you pick a plan helps you avoid sticker shock in January.

No more repayment caps

Premium tax credits are usually paid in advance to your insurer based on your estimated income. At tax time, you reconcile the advance credit with your actual income on IRS Form 8962. In past years, the amount you might have to pay back was capped for many households.

For 2027, those repayment caps no longer apply. If your income ends up higher than you estimated, you may have to repay the full excess credit. For someone who crosses the 400% line, that could mean paying back all of the advance credit received during the year. That bill would come due when you file your federal tax return.

This makes your income estimate more important than ever. If your income is hard to predict, such as with self-employment, commissions or early retirement withdrawals, consider how much risk you’re comfortable with. Some people choose to take less of their credit in advance and claim the rest when they file. Your tax professional can help you decide what fits.

Premiums are expected to rise

Insurers proposed a median premium increase of about 15% for 2027, according to a Peterson-KFF analysis of rate filings. Final rates vary by insurer, plan and county, so your own change could be higher or lower than that figure. Final approved rates may also differ from what insurers first proposed.

Combine rising premiums with smaller tax credits and the effect can add up. A plan that fit your budget in 2026 may cost noticeably more in 2027. At the same time, another insurer in your area may now offer a better value for your needs. Looking at more than one carrier is one of the simplest ways to protect your budget.

If your renewal price is hard to manage, you still have choices. A different metal level, a plan with a narrower network, or a high-deductible plan paired with a health savings account may lower your premium. Depending on your income, Ohio Medicaid may be worth checking. Each option has trade-offs, so look at the whole picture, not just the monthly price.

Ohio has several Marketplace carriers, and the lineup can change from year to year. Networks change too, so a plan that included your doctor last year may not this year. That’s why comparing plans side by side, with your doctors and prescriptions in mind, is worth the time this fall. Our Ohio page has more on local options.

Cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans

Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) are still available for 2027. If your household income is up to 250% of the federal poverty level and you choose a Silver plan, you may get lower deductibles, copays and out-of-pocket maximums. The lower your income within that range, the more help you may receive.

These savings only come with Silver plans. If you qualify for CSRs and choose a Bronze plan for its lower premium, you may give up meaningful help with costs when you actually use care. For people who see doctors often or take regular medications, a CSR Silver plan can be worth a close look.

If your income is above the CSR range, the choice between metal levels comes down to how you use care. Bronze plans usually have lower premiums and higher deductibles. Gold plans usually cost more each month but less when you get care. Thinking through your expected doctor visits, prescriptions and any planned procedures can help you choose.

Why you shouldn’t auto-renew

If you do nothing, HealthCare.gov may automatically renew you into the same or a similar plan. That’s convenient, but it can be costly this year. Your premium, your tax credit and even your plan’s network may change for 2027. Auto-renewal is a safety net, not a plan.

Auto-renewal also carries forward old information. If your income, household size or address changed, your tax credit could be wrong, which may mean paying too much each month or owing money at tax time. A short review now can save you from a costly surprise later in the year. Take a few minutes to review your renewal notice and update your application. Here’s a short checklist to work through before December 15:

• Update your 2027 household income estimate and household size.
• Check that your doctors, hospitals and pharmacies are still in network.
• Confirm your prescriptions are covered and see what they’ll cost.
• Compare deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, not just premiums.
• If your income is up to 250% FPL, compare Silver plans with cost-sharing reductions.

How Kris can help

Kris helps individuals and families across Ohio compare Marketplace plans and understand how subsidies work. She can walk you through your renewal, check your doctors and drugs, and explain options like dental and vision coverage. If you need a temporary bridge, she can also explain short-term medical and its limits.

Consultations are no-cost and no-obligation. Meet in person at the Perrysburg office or by phone or video, whichever is easier for you. Have your 2027 income estimate and a list of your doctors and prescriptions handy. Call (419) 277-8097, request a quote, or visit our health insurance page to learn more.