Open enrollment for 2027 health coverage through HealthSource RI runs from Sunday, Nov. 1, through Jan. 31, with a new state subsidy program intended to offset the sharp premium increases Rhode Islanders absorbed this year.
When enhanced federal premium tax credits expired at the end of 2025, average premiums across HealthSource RI’s customers rose 101% — about $111 per person per month, according to the marketplace. Lower-income households saw the largest percentage increases, while middle- and higher-income households saw the largest dollar increases.
The Rhode Island Marketplace Affordability Program, proposed in Gov. Dan McKee’s fiscal 2027 budget and funded by the General Assembly, is expected to help more than 20,000 current, former and future HealthSource RI customers beginning in January.
For households below 200% of the federal poverty level, RIMAP assistance comes on top of federal tax credits. For households just above 400% of the poverty level, who lost federal help entirely in 2026, it partially replaces it.
“If you dropped coverage this year because it was too expensive, please come back and shop again for 2027,” said Sam Salganik, executive director of RIPIN, one of the organizations that helps Rhode Islanders enroll.
A separate change for middle-income households
Households between 200% and 400% of the poverty level are not eligible for RIMAP. But a change in how 2027 silver plans are rated, developed by HealthSource RI and the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner under Executive Order 26-03, raises the basis for federal premium tax credits for those customers.
About 10,000 households will receive renewal letters showing 2027 monthly costs averaging $110 lower than this year, at no additional cost to the state budget, according to HealthSource RI.
Why plan type matters this year
Without the enhanced federal assistance, more customers chose cheaper plans in 2026. Bronze plan selections rose from 20% to 32% of enrollees, while silver fell from 43% to 35% and gold from 36% to 32%.
Bronze plans carry lower monthly premiums but much higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. Most returning customers currently in bronze plans will benefit from shopping again under the new rates and assistance levels, according to HealthSource RI.
Dates and help
Coverage must be selected and paid for by Dec. 23 to start Jan. 1. The last day to enroll and pay during open enrollment is Jan. 31, for coverage starting Feb. 1.
The HealthSource RI contact center can be reached at 1-855-840-4774. Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., extended during open enrollment to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. On Sunday, Nov. 1 only, hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for phone and web chat.
Live web chat is available in English and Spanish at HealthSourceRI.com. More than 100 trained navigators provide one-on-one help in person, by phone or virtually; appointments can be booked at HealthSourceRI.com/OE.
Virtual information sessions begin Nov. 3 at 9:30 a.m. and Nov. 5 at 10:30 a.m. Registration is at HealthSourceRI.com/events.
A plan comparison calculator is available at HealthSourceRI.com/calculator, and enrollment is at healthyrhode.ri.gov.
