With 2027 around the corner, marketplace health insurance plans are once again set to increase in the coming year.
The fast-approaching open enrollment season adds extra pressure, too. Before the annual deadline, millions of Americans have to decide whether to stay on their current healthcare and endure another price hike or look elsewhere. Others are experiencing the reality of ‘shrinkflation’ with their health insurance plans, allowing insurance companies to downsize benefits while maintaining sales volume, operating margin, and profitability.
So why is health insurance so expensive? And what does open enrollment mean? We’ll unpack these questions below and show why Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) is a great alternative to health insurance.
How much has health insurance increased?
In 2026, marketplace premiums increased for enrollees by 58% and deductibles went up by 37% (the biggest jump ever). Next year’s increases are also in the double digits, but not nearly as severe. While numbers vary from state to state, the median percentage hike for premiums in 2027 will be an additional 15% across the country.
Why is health insurance going up in 2027?
There are a few factors causing the price increases for next year. One of the biggest reasons is the increasing cost of healthcare. Plus, federal rule changes for the marketplace may mean fewer enrollees, driving up prices for everybody else. Economic inflation has also hiked the prices of goods and services everywhere across the country. These increases typically take effect at the start of the plan’s year, promptly following open enrollment.
Even though health insurance costs continue to climb year after year, CHM won’t be raising program prices in 2027. As a faith-based alternative to health insurance, members will get affordable care that stays affordable in the coming year.
When is open enrollment?
Open enrollment is the time you might be most familiar with when thinking about traditional health insurance. It typically occurs in the fall, often beginning around November. This dedicated season lets individuals and families keep their existing plan, try something new, or cancel their current pick altogether.
How long is open enrollment?
The deadline for health insurance depends on both the year and a particular state’s requirements. However, open enrollment usually ends sometime in January for most states. If you’re wondering how to get health insurance after that, you’d either need to qualify for a “special enrollment period” or investigate other limited options.
However, because health cost sharing isn’t insurance, it doesn’t work the same way. Health cost sharing programs like CHM equip you with freedom and flexibility to make medical decisions without unnecessary restrictions.
Health cost sharing and open enrollment
Health cost sharing ministries like CHM operate differently right from the start. While many individuals join during the open enrollment period, especially when leaving a traditional health insurance plan, members aren’t limited to enrollment windows.
That means you can enroll all year round. And with CHM, prospective members can join and start the same day. New members can also pick a future start date that works best for them, too. Either way, you aren’t bound by deadlines and have the freedom to start whenever you want.
Anytime enrollment with CHM
CHM is a faith-based way to take charge of your healthcare. You can switch from traditional health insurance to a flexible, low-cost program on your schedule. Care solutions like virtual visits, maternity care, and surgery support are just a few of the reasons to become a member. And there’s no waiting period to sign up.
Our biblical community of members in all 50 states work together to share (voluntarily pay) the burden of medical expenses. CHM shares 100 percent of eligible medical bills and has satisfied over $14 billion in members’ healthcare costs.
If you want to learn more, you can download our free Info Pack , read the CHM Guidelines for more details about our programs, and learn how sharing works for eligible (or ineligible) pre-existing conditions.
As you consider your options during open enrollment (and beyond), remember that health cost sharing empowers you with unmatched savings and freedom. Start 2027 off right with stable and affordable assurance through CHM.
AN AFFORDABLE OPTION
The Christian Alternative to health insurance.
Christian Healthcare Ministries offers spiritual and financial support for your biggest health needs.
