Virginia's new health insurance premium savings start with Marketplace open enrollment on Sunday, Nov. 1

Open enrollment for 2027 health coverage through Virginia's Insurance Marketplace runs from Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, through Jan. 29, 2027. This year's enrollment period includes Virginia Premium Savings, a new $150 million state program created by the governor and the General Assembly to lower monthly premiums for qualifying Marketplace customers.

Who qualifies

The program is aimed at households earning 138% to 250% of the federal poverty level. According to the Marketplace, that is roughly $22,025 to $39,900 for an individual and $45,540 to $82,500 for a family of four. Applicants must live in Virginia, enroll in a qualified health plan through the state Marketplace, be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present non-citizen eligible for Marketplace coverage, and not be enrolled in or eligible for other qualifying coverage.

The state savings are applied after any federal premium tax credits a household receives. The Marketplace says people who do not qualify for federal tax credits may still be eligible for the state assistance.

Estimated reach

In an Oct. 21 announcement, the Office of the Governor estimated that up to 200,000 Virginians could see savings and that more than 50,000 could qualify for a $0 monthly premium. The program was designed to cut premiums by as much as 70%, and the governor's office said new estimates show some enrollees could see reductions of more than 90%. Axios Richmond reported that the Virginia Health Benefit Exchange estimates average savings of $65 to $90 per person each month for eligible enrollees.

How to apply

Eligibility is determined as part of the regular application at marketplace.virginia.gov; there is no separate form. Savings apply to plans that begin Jan. 1, 2027, and are included in automatic renewals for people who remain eligible. The Marketplace says the funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be used for catastrophic plans or stand-alone dental plans. Axios Richmond notes that a $0 premium does not eliminate deductibles or copays, and that funding currently covers 2027 only. Free enrollment help is available through navigators with Enroll Virginia and certified application counselors.

Sources: Virginia's Insurance Marketplace: Virginia Premium Savings; Virginia Premium Savings frequently asked questions; Office of the Governor announcement, Oct. 21, 2026; Axios Richmond report on the $150 million program.