10/06/2026
Open Enrollment is right around the corner.
Here is what to know:
2027 information for South Carolina, and there are some important things you should know going into Open Enrollment.
🔴 1. The enhanced subsidies have NOT been restored
As of September 1, 2026, I am not seeing a law enacted that restores the enhanced ACA Premium Tax Credits for 2027.
So for planning purposes, I would assume the enhanced subsidies remain expired unless Congress changes the law. That's a big deal because the enhanced credits expired after 2025, and ACA enrollment nationally declined in 2026 as premiums increased for many people.
There is still political discussion about extending them, but I would not quote a client today assuming they're coming back.
🟠 2. South Carolina rates are looking rough for 2027
This is probably the biggest thing for your ACA book.
The latest filings show substantial proposed increases for 2027. KFF's analysis of the filings shows South Carolina around a 16.6% average proposed increase across Marketplace insurers before subsidies.
Some of the proposed increases include:
Carrier 2027 proposed increase
BlueCross BlueShield of SC ~15.6%
Ambetter / Absolute Total Care. ~22.1%
Molina ~14.6%
InStil ~23.3%
Select Health Proposed increase
UnitedHealthcare Proposed increase
These are proposed rates, not necessarily the final rates. South Carolina DOI reviews the filings before they become final.
For perspective, South Carolina's 2026 approved weighted-average increase for Marketplace QHPs was already about 19.49%. So you're potentially looking at two consecutive years of significant rate increases.
🟢 3. There are still SIX Marketplace carriers
This is actually good news for you as an agent.
For 2027, the current information shows:
* BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
* Absolute Total Care / Ambetter
* Molina
* Select Health
* UnitedHealthcare
* InStill
* Cigna Healthcare
All six offered Marketplace coverage in 2026 as well.
That's important because you're going to have more opportunities to move clients between carriers when their renewal premiums jump.
And that's where I think your ACA business can really benefit this year.
🚨 4. The Open Enrollment window is changing
This is something I would put on your calendar right now.
For 2027 coverage, HealthCare.gov's Open
Enrollment is scheduled for:
November 1 – December 15, 2026
That's a major change from the old January 15 deadline. CMS finalized this change specifically for the 2027 plan year.
So:
December 15 = January 1 effective date
If someone waits until December 20, they won't have the old January 15 opportunity to get February coverage through the normal OEP.
💰 5. The 400% FPL cliff is back
This is another HUGE issue for your clients.
Under the enhanced subsidy rules, someone could earn above 400% of the Federal Poverty Level and still potentially qualify for a PTC.
That enhanced rule is gone.
So for 2027, income planning is going to matter considerably more.
For example, a self-employed client whose income lands just above the applicable 400% FPL threshold could potentially go from receiving a substantial PTC to receiving $0.
That's going to create some very interesting conversations with:
* Realtors
* Mortgage lenders
* Self-employed people
* Small-business owners
* 1099 workers
* People who have variable income
* Early retirees
And honestly, those are exactly the people I'd be targeting for your ACA business.
📈 What I think this means for Cave Insurance Solutions
You've got a really good marketing opportunity here.
Instead of advertising:
"Get affordable health insurance!"
I'd position your 2027 campaign around:
"Don't Let Your ACA Plan Auto-Renew."
Something like:
ACA Open Enrollment is changing for 2027.
Rates are expected to increase, subsidies have changed, and Open Enrollment ends December 15.
Don't assume your current plan is still your best option.
I'll compare the available plans and help you determine what makes the most sense for your coverage, doctors, prescriptions and budget.
Let's review your 2027 coverage before December 15.
That's a much stronger message than simply saying "Open Enrollment is coming."
One more thing I'd be watching closely
Congress.
If Congress does eventually restore or modify the enhanced PTCs, it could completely change the numbers you're showing clients during OE.
So I would not build your marketing around the subsidies being permanently gone. I'd say: "Subsidy rules have changed, and Congress could make additional changes. Let's review your actual 2027 eligibility."
That keeps you accurate regardless of what happens legislatively. If you want, I can also pull together a 2027 South Carolina ACA cheat sheet for you — including the income limits, estimated subsidy changes, all six carriers, county availability, rate increases, and the types of clients you should be targeting this OE. That would be useful to have in front of you when you're quoting.
www.caveinsurancesolutions.com
Cave Insurance Solutions helps you find insurance coverage regardless of your situation. We help you understand insurance options and connect you with the right insurance policy. Insurance solutions include life, health, medicare, home and auto insurance.
