South Philly Shoppers Face Higher 2027 ACA Premiums as Open Enrollment Opens Nov. 1

South Philadelphia residents who buy health insurance through Pennie can begin comparing 2027 plans on Nov. 1, and WHYY reports that prices will rise for a second straight year.

Neighbors across the river use Get Covered NJ, and Delaware residents shop on HealthCare.gov.

Pennie's enrollment period runs through Jan. 15, 2027. Pennie executive director Devon Trolley and Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys discussed the season at an Oct. 22 event in Bath, Pa.

Premium Increases in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Insurance officials told WHYY that costs are climbing because federal subsidies changed and people are using more health care overall. Average increases across Pennsylvania carriers and plans range from 1.4% to 35%, and the final amount depends on the plan.

WHYY separately reported a 16% average increase for Pennie customers.

Humphreys said the state Insurance Department's actuaries blocked certain requested increases totaling almost $95 million in premiums. The department finalized its decisions in September.

In New Jersey, average increases range from 15.3% to 35.7% by plan, with a 20% average across the state, WHYY reported.

Why Subsidies Changed

Boosted federal subsidies passed in 2021 lowered monthly premiums and led to record ACA enrollment. Congress did not renew them last year.

Even so, help remains widely available. Trolley told WHYY, "Many people pay under $100 a month for comprehensive policies that would otherwise cost six or seven times that amount."

About 8 in 10 New Jersey residents qualify for federal premium tax credits or other aid. That aid can also reduce deductibles, co-pays and other out-of-pocket costs.

Deadlines to Know

Pennsylvanians who pick or change a Pennie plan by Dec. 15 will have coverage starting Jan. 1. Those who choose by Jan. 15 will be covered from Feb. 1.

New Jersey residents who enroll by Dec. 31 get coverage on Jan. 1. The final New Jersey deadline is Jan. 31, with coverage beginning Feb. 1.

WHYY did not report Delaware's dates. The Delaware Department of Insurance points residents to its support resources and to enrollment help through HealthCare.gov.

Avoiding Scams and Getting Help

Humphreys warned Pennsylvanians to be wary of unexpected calls, especially from people claiming to be from Social Security or Medicare who ask for personal information. He advised checking the insurance license of anyone selling coverage.

Get Covered NJ offers a network of certified assisters and brokers, plus a customer call center.

If You Miss the Window

Insurer Anthem says people who miss their state's deadline generally must wait for the next open enrollment. The exception is a qualifying life event, such as marriage, a birth or adoption, or the loss of other coverage, including through job loss.

Anthem advises applicants to gather income documents such as W-2s, 1099s and prior-year tax returns. They should also have Social Security numbers and details on everyone who will be covered.

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