By Qamar S, 15 years in US medical billing · Last reviewed October 18, 2026
Texas uses HealthCare.gov. Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Pick a plan by December 15, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1. If you enroll between December 16 and January 15, coverage starts February 1.
Big changes in Texas for 2027: insurers asked for an average increase of about 14% for individual plans, and several insurers, including Baylor Scott & White Health Plan and Cigna, are leaving the individual market. If your insurer is leaving, you must pick a new plan or HealthCare.gov may move you to a different one.
Texas 2027 Open Enrollment dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open Enrollment starts on HealthCare.gov |
| December 15, 2026 | Deadline for coverage starting January 1, 2027 |
| January 15, 2027 | Last day to enroll; coverage starts February 1 |
| After January 15 | Only with a Special Enrollment Period, such as losing other coverage, moving or having a baby |
What Texas insurers asked for in 2027
These are the rate changes insurers requested for individual plans, before any premium tax credit. Final rates can differ, and your own change depends on your plan, age and county.
| Insurer | Requested 2027 change |
|---|---|
| Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas | -12.2% to +22.3% depending on plan (HMO about +8.8%) |
| Oscar | +9.6% |
| Superior HealthPlan (Ambetter) | +10.9% |
| CHRISTUS Health Plan | +12.5% |
| Molina Healthcare | +12.7% |
| Wellpoint | +15.3% |
| Community Health Choice | +27.2% |
| UnitedHealthcare of Texas | +27.4% |
| Sendero Health Plans | +31.1% |
Across the market, the requests average about 14%, according to an analysis of federal rate filings.
Insurers leaving the Texas individual market
- Baylor Scott & White Health Plan plans to stop selling individual Marketplace plans after December 31, 2026. News reports put the number of affected customers around 100,000.
- Cigna Healthcare of Texas is leaving individual medical coverage at the end of 2026.
If your plan is ending, you’ll get a letter. Don’t wait for automatic re-enrollment: compare plans yourself so your doctors and medicines stay covered.
Why Texas premiums are rising
As in other states, people just above the income limits lost extra help when the enhanced tax credits ended after 2025, and many healthier people dropped coverage, which pushes prices up for everyone left. Higher hospital and drug costs add to it. See why ACA premiums are going up in 2027.
How to choose a plan in Texas
- Update your 2027 income estimate on HealthCare.gov. Your tax credit depends on it.
- Check your doctors and hospitals. Many Texas plans are HMOs or EPOs with narrow networks. See PPO vs HMO.
- Compare total yearly cost, not just the premium. Use our health plan cost comparison tool.
- Look at silver if your income is under 250% of the poverty level. Cost-sharing reductions lower your deductible. See bronze vs silver vs gold.
- Get free local help from a Marketplace navigator. They don’t sell plans.
If you don’t qualify for a tax credit
Texas didn’t expand Medicaid, so some adults with very low incomes fall into a coverage gap. If your income is below the poverty level, check whether you qualify for Texas Medicaid or CHIP for your children, and look at community health centers for low-cost care.
From 15 years in billing: when a Texas plan leaves the market, I see the most billing problems in January and February. Claims for December visits still go to your old insurer. Keep your old insurance card until all of your 2026 claims are paid.
Frequently asked questions
When is Obamacare Open Enrollment in Texas for 2027?
November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov. Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1.
Does Texas have its own health insurance marketplace?
No. Texas uses the federal marketplace, HealthCare.gov. You can also enroll through approved brokers and insurer websites that connect to HealthCare.gov.
How much are Texas ACA premiums going up in 2027?
Insurers requested an average increase of about 14% for individual plans, with requests ranging from a decrease to over 30% depending on the insurer. Final rates can differ.
Which insurers are leaving the Texas marketplace in 2027?
Baylor Scott & White Health Plan and Cigna Healthcare of Texas are leaving the individual market at the end of 2026. Check your mail for a discontinuation notice.
Sources: ACASignups: Texas 2027 rate filings · HealthCare.gov: Dates and deadlines · Texas Department of Insurance
This guide is educational and is not legal, financial or insurance advice. MedBillGuide is not connected to Medicare, CMS or any government agency, and we do not sell insurance. See our Disclaimer.