Americans Weigh Cheaper Health Insurance Options

Some Americans have shifted from marketplace plans to short-term coverage or health-sharing arrangements as they manage current premium and deductible pressures nationwide.
For 2027, marketplace insurers proposed a median premium increase of ~15%, marking a second straight year of double-digit pricing pressure for consumers.
Under current federal rules, short-term plans are generally limited to 3 mo, plus a 1 mo renewal, though some states allow longer coverage.
Experts say health-sharing and other nontraditional coverage options can carry major limits, and consumer protections may be weaker, making careful review especially important.
Open enrollment for marketplace plans begins November 1 and runs through January 15, giving households a defined window to compare coverage choices.