HealthFriday, November 6
ACA open enrollment is underway in Montana, and individual-market rates are rising about 23% before subsidies
The Good Day Missoula team
If you buy your own health insurance, open enrollment is underway on HealthCare.gov. Montana regulators say individual-market rates for 2027 are rising about 23% on average before subsidies, and increases run from about 6% to 53% depending on the plan.
Red Lodge business owner Stephanie Shanks says her premium is going from $1,236.70 a month to $1,765.99.
Stephanie Shanks's monthly premium is jumping by more than $500
Source: Q2 News (KTVQ)
View as table
| Value | |
|---|---|
| Last year | $1,237 |
| 2027 | $1,766 |
- Red flag: very low premiums paired with promises of full coverage
- Red flag: salespeople offering limited partner or “ERISA” plans directly
- Red flag: a salesperson saying no insurance license is needed
- Red flag: pressure to pay a large amount quickly
Open enrollment runs from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15, 2027
- Nov. 1Open enrollment for 2027 coverage begins on HealthCare.gov.
- Dec. 15Deadline to enroll or change plans for coverage starting Jan. 1.
- Jan. 2027Open enrollment window closes.
- Feb. 2027Coverage can begin for Dec. 16 to Jan. 15 enrollees after the first premium.
Sources: NBC Montana, Q2 News (KTVQ)
Be wary of plans sold as “self-funded” or “limited partner” coverage. State Auditor James Brown warns consumers and says, “If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.” We suggest asking any agent for their full name and National Producer Number before you pay, then checking the license at csimt.gov.
Sources: NBC Montana, Q2 News (KTVQ)