Virginia Urges Residents to Compare Marketplace Plans
Open enrollment runs through January 29, 2027, with a $150 million state program aimed at lowering health insurance premiums.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Insurance
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Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger encouraged Virginians to explore options on Virginia's Insurance Marketplace during open enrollment, which began November 1, 2026. The state's Virginia Premium Savings program, funded with $150 million, aims to help up to 200,000 Virginians lower their health insurance premiums.
Why it matters
Federal tax credits that made Marketplace coverage more affordable have expired, and nearly 100,000 Virginians did not reenroll after the change. The state's new affordability investments are intended to offset the higher costs residents would otherwise face.
The Virginia Premium Savings program has a $150 million budget and targets up to 200,000 Virginians, with projected premium cuts of up to 70 percent. New estimates indicate more than 50,000 residents could qualify for a $0 monthly premium, though actual enrollment outcomes remain unconfirmed.
The players
Abigail Spanberger
Abigail Spanberger is the Governor of Virginia, who has promoted the state's insurance marketplace and the Virginia Premium Savings program.
The details
Virginians can browse plans, compare 2027 options, and check eligibility at marketplace.virginia.gov. Last month, the Governor promoted the program at a community resource fair at Gethsemane Community Fellowship Baptist Church in Norfolk, which offered screenings, mammograms, flu shots, and enrollment help.
Timeline
November 1, 2026: Open enrollment began on Virginia's Insurance Marketplace.
October 2026: Governor celebrated the program at a Norfolk community resource fair.
January 29, 2027: Open enrollment period ends.
Roadmap
The expiration of federal Marketplace tax credits has pushed states to fill affordability gaps on their own. Virginia's $150 million Premium Savings program is one such state-level response to that federal shift.
Virginians shopping on the Marketplace can compare 2027 plans at marketplace.virginia.gov before enrollment closes. Residents who previously dropped coverage after federal tax credits expired may find lower premiums through the state program.
The takeaway
Open enrollment is the window to reassess coverage, since state premium savings may lower costs compared with last year. Checking eligibility before January 29, 2027, could reveal options that were unavailable after federal credits expired.
What happens next
Open enrollment closes January 29, 2027, the deadline for Virginians to select or change Marketplace plans.
Further reading
For more on how premium changes affect coverage choices, explore Insurance coverage in Virginia.
More information
Compare 2027 plans and check eligibility on the Virginia Insurance Marketplace enrollment and comparison site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by RealRadio804.
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