Virginia open enrollment 2027 Open enrollment · Virginia

Virginia Open Enrollment 2027 for Self-Employed

Last updated November 3, 2026 · By Frank Caballero, licensed health insurance broker

Short answer

For self-employed people and 1099 contractors in Virginia, Virginia's Insurance Marketplace sets the 2027 open enrollment dates, running November 1, 2026 to January 29, 2027 with December 15 for a January 1 start. A private, medically underwritten plan does not wait for the window: if approved, it can start the first of any month, which suits income that never arrives on a schedule.

What 2027 looks like for you

Virginia's average 2027 rate change is 15.8% to 16.9% (finalized). The details are on the Virginia 2027 premium increase page.

The subsidy line for 2027 sits at 400% of the federal poverty level: $63,840 for one person and $86,560 for two. For self-employed people the income that counts is net business income after expenses, plus any other household income, and a strong fourth quarter can carry you over the line. Starting with tax year 2026 there is no cap on repaying excess advance credit, so estimate carefully. General information, not tax advice — confirm with your CPA based on your specific entity structure.

Virginia this year

Virginia's finalized 2027 individual increase lands around 16 to 17 percent, with the two trackers differing slightly. Virginians enroll through Virginia's Insurance Marketplace, run by the state rather than HealthCare.gov; this year's window runs to January 29, 2027, later than HealthCare.gov states. Northern Virginia, Richmond, Hampton Roads and the southwest each have their own plan lineups and hospital systems. Defense and federal contractors between projects, IT and cybersecurity consultants, Hampton Roads shipyard contractors and winery owners often out-earn the subsidy line, so they shoulder the whole increase.

Work I see most often among Virginia's self-employed buyers: federal and defense contractors between contracts, IT and cybersecurity consultants, real estate agents, construction trades, shipyard and maritime contractors in Hampton Roads, military spouses running small businesses, and farm and winery owners.

One thing to do before you choose

Do not let Virginia's later deadline lull you. The window runs to January 29, 2027, but a January 1 start requires signing up earlier, so check the exchange's cutoff for that date. If you are a cybersecurity consultant above the subsidy line, compare your exchange renewal with a private policy priced through medical underwriting. You would need to be approved on your health history, the exchange does not sell it, and coverage terms differ by policy.

Your checklist

Your Virginia renewal notice and its 2027 price
A net income estimate with a cushion
Doctors and prescriptions in each network
A private quote if you are healthy and near the line

Private plan or Marketplace?

Private plan

Healthy and above the line: priced on age, ZIP code and health, not income. Approval depends on health answers; not an ACA Marketplace plan.

Marketplace

A health condition or income under the line: Virginia's Insurance Marketplace must accept you, and the subsidy may make it the better value.

Compare Virginia plans this open enrollment

Private plans priced first, the Marketplace alongside when it fits. Phone or video, English or Spanish, no fee.

Get a quote Book a call (786) 218-2384

About your broker

Frank Caballero (NPN 21032307), licensed in 31 states including Virginia. Phone or video, English or Spanish, no fee; independent, not HealthCare.gov or any government agency.

Questions

Who sets Virginia's 2027 open enrollment deadline?

Virginia's Insurance Marketplace, Virginia's own exchange. For 2027 coverage it runs open enrollment from November 1, 2026 to January 29, 2027.

I'm a Northern Virginia defense contractor between contracts and just lost my employer plan. What now?

When job-based coverage ends, you have 60 days to enroll through Virginia's Insurance Marketplace under a special enrollment period, apart from open enrollment. Healthy and expecting a new contract to lift you over the subsidy cutoff? Then private coverage is another option and, if approved, may start as early as next month's first day.

Can I get a private plan in Virginia after open enrollment closes?

Yes. You can apply in any month and, if approved, a private plan can start the first of a month; the insurer can decline based on health answers.

More for Virginia

Official source: Virginia's Insurance Marketplace: special enrollment. FC Insurance Solutions is an independent, licensed brokerage and is not affiliated with any government agency.

Written by Frank Caballero, licensed health insurance broker in Virginia and 30 other states, NPN 21032307. Last updated November 3, 2026.