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Enrollment dates

Open Enrollment 2027 in Wilmington

The dates, the deadline that decides your start date, and the options that don't need open enrollment at all.

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Answer 6 quick questions to see what Direct Primary Care plus health sharing could cost your household.

The short answer

Wilmington open enrollment for 2027 health plans runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027, on HealthCare.gov. Pick a plan by December 15, 2026 if you want it to start January 1. Plans picked after that start February 1, 2027.

Wilmington 2027 open enrollmentDate
Open enrollment opensNovember 1, 2026
Last day to pick a plan that starts January 1, 2027December 15, 2026
Open enrollment closesJanuary 15, 2027
Plans picked after December 15Start February 1, 2027

These are the HealthCare.gov dates for plan year 2027, which North Carolina uses (source, source).

What open enrollment is

Open enrollment is the once-a-year window to buy or change an ACA health insurance plan (often called Obamacare) on HealthCare.gov. It's also when you can apply for a tax credit that lowers the monthly cost. Outside the window, you can only sign up if a life event, like losing other coverage, moving or having a baby, opens a special enrollment period.

What's different in Wilmington this year

North Carolina uses the federal Marketplace, HealthCare.gov, so Wilmington, Brunswick and Pender households all shop there (source). Approved 2027 individual-plan increases range from 8.35% to 27.36% depending on the insurer (source), so check your renewal price rather than letting it roll over.

Cigna is leaving North Carolina's individual market for 2027 (source). If your plan is one of theirs, you'll need to choose a new one. And if you're on NC Medicaid, new work requirements start January 1, 2027 (source); losing Medicaid usually opens a special enrollment period.

Five things to do before December 15

  1. Read your renewal notice. If you do nothing you may be renewed into the same or a similar plan, at a new price.
  2. Update your income. Your tax credit is based on your income estimate. If it's too low, you may have to pay some or all of the extra credit back at tax time.
  3. Check your doctors and prescriptions. Networks and drug lists change every year.
  4. Compare the whole year, not just the monthly price. Add the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum to see your worst-case year.
  5. Get free help if you need it. HealthCare.gov has certified helpers, and a licensed agent can explain plans. We don't sell insurance.

Options that don't wait for open enrollment

OptionWhen you can startWhat to know
Marketplace planOpen enrollment, or a special enrollment periodInsurance. Covers pre-existing conditions. A tax credit may lower the cost, depending on income.
NC MedicaidAny monthFree or low cost if you qualify. Check before you pay for anything.
Health sharingThe first of any monthNot insurance. Members share large medical bills under the guidelines. Limits for pre-existing conditions.
Direct primary careAny timeA flat monthly fee for everyday doctor care. Not insurance.
Dental and vision savings plansAny monthDiscounts at participating providers. Not insurance.

When a Marketplace plan is likely the better choice

  • Your tax credit is large. At lower and middle incomes, a subsidized Marketplace plan on HealthCare.gov can cost less than any alternative. Check there first.
  • You may qualify for NC Medicaid. North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, so many adults with low incomes qualify, and children qualify at higher incomes. Check before paying for anything.
  • Someone has a serious ongoing condition. Health sharing shares nothing for pre-existing conditions in year one. Insurance must cover them.
  • A baby is on the way, or planned. Maternity is shareable only when the due date is at least nine months after you join.
  • You need regular therapy. Counseling is capped at $750 a year.
  • You want a guarantee. Sharing is voluntary. If you need a contract that has to pay, buy insurance.

Where we fit

If your Marketplace price is high, for example because your income is above the range where tax credits help much, open enrollment is a good time to compare it with the alternatives. We'll show you what direct primary care plus health sharing would cost your household, side by side with the price you see on HealthCare.gov. See what it costs, or read what to do if you miss open enrollment.

Common questions

When is open enrollment in Wilmington for 2027?

Wilmington open enrollment for 2027 health plans runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027, on HealthCare.gov. Pick a plan by December 15, 2026 if you want it to start January 1. Plans picked after that start February 1, 2027.

What if I miss the December 15 deadline?

You can still enroll until January 15, 2027; your plan just starts February 1. After January 15, you need a special enrollment period.

Do I have to do anything if I already have a plan?

You may be renewed automatically, but your price, tax credit, doctors or even your insurer can change. Log in to HealthCare.gov, update your income and compare before the deadline.

Can I join health sharing or direct primary care during open enrollment?

Yes, but you don't have to wait for it. Health sharing can start on the first of any month, and a primary care membership can start any time. Neither is insurance.

Do you sell Marketplace plans?

No. Affordable Healthcare Wilmington isn't an insurance agency. For a Marketplace plan, use HealthCare.gov or a licensed agent. We help you compare the alternatives.

Written and reviewed by Graham Kerswell. Last updated November 5, 2026. Facts, dates and prices are checked against the sources named on this page.

Sources

Comparing your options this open enrollment?

Tell us who needs care and what your Marketplace plan would cost. We'll show you the alternative side by side, and tell you when the Marketplace is the better fit.

Get my optionsCall (910) 812-0954

Free, no obligation. Wilmington, Brunswick, Pender and Cape Fear households.

Health care sharing
Health care sharing ministries are not insurance and are not regulated as insurance. Sharing of medical expenses is voluntary and not guaranteed. Review each organization's guidelines for details, limitations, and state-specific notices.

North Carolina notice (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-49-12)
North Carolina law asks health care sharing organizations to give members this notice: “NOTICE: The organization facilitating the sharing of medical expenses is not an insurance company and neither its guidelines nor its plan of operation is an insurance policy. Whether anyone chooses to assist you with your medical bills will be voluntary. No other participant will be compelled by law to contribute toward your medical bills. As such, participation in the organization or a subscription to any of its documents should never be considered to be insurance. Regardless of whether you receive any payment for medical expenses or whether this organization continues to operate, you are always personally liable for the payment of your own medical bills.” Health care sharing is not Minimum Essential Coverage.

Direct primary care
Direct primary care is a membership with a primary care practice. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-3-8, a medical direct primary care agreement is not insurance and is not subject to North Carolina's insurance laws; the agreement must be in writing and must state prominently that it is not health insurance. A DPC membership does not pay for specialists, hospital care or emergencies, and it is not Minimum Essential Coverage.

Discount plans
THIS PLAN IS NOT INSURANCE and is not intended to replace health insurance. A discount plan provides discounts at participating providers and does not make payments to providers; the member pays the discounted fee. Discount plan organization: Careington International Corporation, 7400 Gaylord Parkway, Frisco, TX 75034. Discount plans are not ACA Qualified Health Plans.

How we're paid
We may receive compensation from some organizations we recommend. This does not change our evaluation of how they work. See our Referral Marketing Disclosure.

Not advice
This page is general information, not medical, legal, tax or financial advice. Prices are examples, not quotes; they depend on your household and can change. Affordable Healthcare Wilmington is not an insurance agency and does not sell insurance. We help individuals and families explore alternatives to insurance, including direct primary care, health care sharing and discount plans.