Marketplace Carrier Changes for 2027: Don’t Let Auto-Enrollment Choose Your Health Insurance

Last week, I shared some of the Marketplace changes we already know about for 2027, including a new insurance carrier entering Texas and higher out-of-pocket maximums.

This week, I want to talk about another major change: insurance carriers leaving the Marketplace.

These changes make it more important than ever to actively review and update your health insurance during Open Enrollment.

Baylor Scott & White, Moda, and Cigna Are Leaving the Individual Marketplace

Three significant Marketplace carriers are exiting the Texas individual Marketplace for 2027:

• • Baylor Scott & White Health Plan
  • Cigna (in the areas where Marketplace plans were previously offered)
  • Moda

If you’re currently enrolled with either carrier, you should have already received a notification explaining that your plan will not be available next year.

I also sent an email to my clients about these upcoming changes because they will directly affect your 2027 coverage options.

Why You Should Never Rely on Auto-Enrollment

Every year, I recommend actively reviewing your Marketplace coverage.

This year, it’s absolutely essential.

When an insurance company leaves the Marketplace, the Marketplace system may automatically assign you to another plan if you don’t make a selection during Open Enrollment.

The problem? The automatic assignment does not take into account:

• Your doctors
• Your specialists
• Your prescriptions
• Your preferred hospitals
• Your healthcare usage
• Your budget

It simply attempts to place you into what it considers a similar plan.

That plan may not be the best fit for your healthcare needs.

What Happens If You Miss the December 15 Deadline?

If you don’t actively enroll by December 15, the Marketplace may automatically assign you to a new plan.

Fortunately, all is not lost.

If you receive an email or letter saying you’ve been enrolled in a plan you didn’t choose, contact me as soon as possible.

In many cases, we can still make changes before your January 1 effective date, provided we act before the end of December.

The important thing is don’t ignore those notices.

A Special Note for Baylor Scott & White Patients

One of the biggest questions I’ve been receiving is:

“What if my doctors are with Baylor Scott & White?”

Currently, Baylor Scott & White providers have accepted a limited number of Marketplace plans.

Whether that changes for 2027 remains to be seen.

I won’t have finalized provider network information until late October.

As soon as I have that information, I’ll review every available option to determine which plans include your providers whenever possible.

If your preferred providers are no longer participating in Marketplace plans, we’ll discuss the alternatives available based on your healthcare needs and budget.

There May Still Be Other Options

Every client’s situation is different.

Some individuals must remain on Marketplace coverage because of pre-existing medical conditions or premium tax credits.

Others may qualify for off-Marketplace options that better fit their needs.

That’s why I review each case individually rather than recommending the same solution for everyone.

Schedule Early for Open Enrollment

My November calendar is now open.

If you’ve experienced any changes this year—including:

• New medications
• New doctors
• Changes in income
• Changes in household members
• Changes in healthcare needs

Please let me know before your appointment.

The more information I have ahead of time, the more accurate your quotes will be when Marketplace rates become available.

Open Enrollment is one of the busiest times of the year, so scheduling early helps ensure we have plenty of time to review your options.

As always, my goal is to help you find the coverage that best fits your family’s healthcare needs and budget.