Understanding Changes for Plan Year 2027 for Kaiser Permanente Individual and Family Plan Coverage

Each year, federal and state governments update healthcare regulations that can affect your coverage.

We know that these changes feel personal and we want to provide you with information about why these changes are taking place. We’re here to help you stay informed and understand what these changes mean for you and your family.

Below are some of the key updates for 2027.

Open Enrollment Period – Some States Now Ending in December

Open enrollment is your once a year window to enroll or make changes to your health coverage.

In some states, that window now closes earlier so be prepared.

For plan year 2027, Open Enrollment will take place from

CaliforniaNovember 1 through January 31
ColoradoNovember 1 through January 15
GeorgiaNovember 1 through December 15
HawaiiNovember 1 through January 15
NevadaNovember 1 through January 31
OregonNovember 1 through January 15
WashingtonNovember 1 through January 15
MarylandNovember 1 through January 15
VirginiaNovember 1 through December 31
Washington DCNovember 1 through December 31

Changes for Lawfully Present Immigrants

Federal law has changed eligibility requirements for certain financial assistance programs. Under the new rules, only specific groups qualify for Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions.

Eligible groups include:

  • Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
  • Cuban or Haitian entrants
  • COFA migrants (citizens of Micronesia, Palau, or the Marshall Islands who are authorized to live and work in the United States under the Compacts of Free Association)

Other lawfully present immigrants may still purchase health coverage at full price, but they will no longer qualify for financial assistance under these programs. If you’re unsure about your eligibility for subsidies, please contact your exchange.

Bronze and Catastrophic Plans HSA-Eligible

Recent federal legislation allows all Bronze and Catastrophic plans purchased through the ACA Marketplace to be automatically eligible for a Health Savings Account (HSA).

This means you can pair these plans with an HSA and take advantage of valuable tax benefits, including:

  • Tax-deductible contributions
  • Tax-free account growth
  • Tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses

An HSA lets you save money tax-free for qualified healthcare expenses, such as co-pays, deductibles, or over the counter medications. Unlike other healthcare accounts, the money rolls over every year, stays with you if you change jobs, and can even be invested and used for future healthcare expenses in retirement.

For HSA eligible plans, you can open a Health Savings Account (HSA) through Kaiser Permanente - learn more through this link. You can also open an HSA at the financial institution of your choice.

State Financial Assistance

Depending on where you live, state financial assistance might be available. The level of this assistance changes from year to year, meaning your subsidy could go up or down based on your income. You may also be asked to provide additional documentation to verify your eligibility for assistance. We encourage you to check with your state marketplace to explore available financial help and ensure you receive any assistance you qualify for.

Marketplace Websites

California

coveredca.com

Colorado

connectforhealthco.com

Georgia

georgiaaccess.gov

Hawaii

healthcare.gov

Washington

wahealthplanfinder.org

Oregon

healthcare.oregon.gov

Maryland

marylandhealthconnection.gov

Virginia

marketplace.virginia.gov

D.C.

dchealthlink.com

Need help?

  • Call a Kaiser Permanente plan specialist at 1-877-349-7577
  • Contact your state Marketplace.
  • Many Marketplace websites offer free help from Brokers or Assisters.

Frequently Asked Questions 

We understand—seeing your premium go up is frustrating but a rate change isn't about profit.

Premiums rise mainly because the cost of delivering care goes up every year—wages, facilities, and new treatments all cost more—and we work to keep increases as low as we can. Each market has a published average rate change, but your individual rate may be higher or lower depending on:

  • Your age (and your dependents' ages)—rates adjust yearly after age 14
  • Your location—care costs vary by region
  • Your plan choice—premiums differ by metal tier and benefits

Health insurance is one of the most heavily regulated industries there is. Every rate must be reviewed and approved by state regulators, who only sign off once the rate increase is justified. So the price you pay has been independently checked, not set at our discretion and we'll always notify you at least 60 days before any change takes effect, giving you time to choose the plan that's right for you.

Visit yourkpplan.org/compareplans if you are a renewing Kaiser Permanente member, or Kaiser Permanente Plans if you are new. You can also go to your Marketplace website to see 2027 plan costs.

When you shop for coverage, you may see options that look like health insurance but aren’t regulated insurance plans. Be cautious - some options like Health Care Sharing Ministries or short-term plans are not insurance and may leave you with unpaid bills. Only ACA-compliant plans guarantee coverage, essential benefits, and consumer protection.

Health Care Sharing Ministries (HCSMs) or “sharing programs.”

  • Not insurance: No guarantee that medical bills will be paid.
  • Pre-existing conditions may not be covered.
  • Limited benefits: May exclude preventive care, prescriptions, or maternity.
  • No state or federal protections: Members can’t appeal decisions in the same way as with insurance.
  • Risk of large unpaid bills: Providers are not required to honor “sharing” payments.
  • May not be legal in all states

Short-Term Limited-Duration Insurance

  • Designed for temporary gaps in coverage
  • Often exclude pre-existing conditions and essential benefits
  • May not be legal in all states

Only ACA compliant plans offer guaranteed coverage, comprehensive benefits, consumer protections, and financial help.

Health insurance helps protect you from the high costs of medical care. Emergencies, serious illnesses, and accidents are rarely planned—and without coverage, the financial impact can be overwhelming. Medical bills can quickly add up, leading to significant debt or even bankruptcy.

Here are some examples of typical healthcare costs you might face without insurance:

  • Fixing a broken leg can cost up to $7,500
  • The average cost of a 3-day hospital stay is around $30,000
  • Comprehensive cancer care can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars

A recent study found that 4 in 10 adults in the U.S. carry some form of medical debt. These unpaid bills can appear on your credit report and are a major contributor to financial hardship.

Health insurance offers more than just financial protection, it’s also a pathway to better health. Kaiser Permanente health plans offer services at no extra cost, such as help managing chronic conditions. Plus, preventive care like annual checkups, vaccinations, routine bloodwork, and cancer screenings are typically covered at no additional cost when you’re insured.

  1. Health coverage protects you from high medical costs | HealthCare.gov
  2. https://www.kff.org/health-costs/kff-health-care-debt-survey/#c7f7c77b-dec4-4baf-bed1-78e3522b4f46