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Texas Open Enrollment 2027: Cigna and Baylor Scott & White Are Leaving, and Why Gold Can Cost Less Than Silver

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Cigna and Baylor Scott & White are leaving the Texas Marketplace for 2027. Here's what changes, and why many Texans should look at Gold plans first.
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Texas has one of the biggest Marketplaces in the country. Nationally, insurers asked for a median increase of about 15% for 2027 (KFF). Texas doesn’t publish one statewide average, but you can look up each insurer’s request on the federal rate review site (CMS rate review).

Who is leaving, and who is new

  • Cigna and Baylor Scott & White Health Plan are leaving the Texas Marketplace at the end of 2026. Their members need to choose new coverage during Open Enrollment (KFF; Baylor Scott & White Health Plan).
  • Ambetter offers Enhanced Diabetes Care plans in Texas, with $0 preferred insulin and $0 routine A1C labs for eligible members (Ambetter Health).

Short on time? Book a free 30-minute plan check and we’ll do the comparing for you.

The Texas “Gold plan” quirk

Texas requires insurers to add an extra charge to Silver plan prices to cover cost-sharing discounts. Starting in 2026, that charge is 40% (Texas Department of Insurance; TDI bulletin). Because subsidies are tied to Silver prices, Silver plans can end up costing more than many Gold plans, and subsidies can go further on Bronze and Gold plans.

What that means for you: don’t assume Silver is the “middle” choice. Compare the price after savings for Bronze, Silver, and Gold side by side. Some families get a lower deductible and a lower payment with Gold.

One exception: if your income qualifies you for extra cost-sharing help on Silver plans, Silver can still be the right pick. That’s why the side-by-side comparison matters.

Key 2027 dates (HealthCare.gov states)

  • November 1, 2026: Open Enrollment starts
  • December 15, 2026: last day to pick a plan that starts January 1
  • January 15, 2027: Open Enrollment ends (coverage starts February 1)

Texas checklist

  1. Check your mail for a notice from Cigna or Baylor Scott & White.
  2. List your doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions.
  3. Estimate your 2027 household income. Help is limited to 100% to 400% of the poverty level for 2027 (HealthCare.gov).
  4. Pick by December 15 for a January 1 start (HealthCare.gov).

New for 2027: you approve who helps you

  • When a licensed agent helps you enroll or change plans, you approve that agent for 2027, often with a one-time code sent to your phone or email (CMS).
  • Use your own phone number and email on the application. The code has to reach you, not the agent (CMS).
  • Have a Social Security number or immigration document for everyone on the application (newborns excepted) (CMS). If one is missing, update it when you choose your 2027 plan, by December 15 (CMS).

Quick answers

Is the Texas deadline different?

No. Texas uses HealthCare.gov. Open Enrollment runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027, and December 15 is the cutoff for a January 1 start.

My insurer is leaving. Will I lose coverage on January 1?

Your current plan runs through December 31, 2026, as long as you pay. You need a new plan for 2027.

Want a second set of eyes on your 2027 plan?

Book a 30-minute plan check. We compare your options side by side, show the price after any savings, and check that your doctors are in network. Plan prices are the same with or without us.

Check My 2027 Options or call (786) 730-9658

Prefer to read first? Download the 2027 Marketplace Ready Checklist or la guía en español.

Related guides

Sources

  1. HealthCare.gov: Dates and deadlines
  2. KFF: Why Marketplace premiums are going up in 2027
  3. CMS: Rate review by state
  4. KFF: Insurer changes in the 2027 Marketplaces
  5. Baylor Scott & White Health Plan: Marketplace member FAQ
  6. Ambetter Health: 2027 Marketplace offerings
  7. Texas Department of Insurance: Cost-sharing reduction load rule
  8. HealthCare.gov: Coverage for lawfully present immigrants
  9. CMS: Consumer ID checks and agent authorization (2027)
  10. CMS: 2027 Marketplace integrity steps
  11. CMS: Verified SSN or immigration document for re-enrollment

Simple Start Insurance is a licensed health insurance agency. We are not affiliated with HealthCare.gov, any state marketplace, or any government agency. Plan availability, prices, and dates vary by state and county. This article is general information, not tax or legal advice.

Want help comparing your options? See how we help with individual and family health insurance, or request a free 2027 plan check.

Picture of Andrew Harris
Andrew Harris

Andrew Harris is the founder of Simple Start Health Insurance with over 8 years of experience in the health insurance industry. He’s passionate about making coverage simple, human, and hassle-free. At Simple Start, Andrew helps families and individuals navigate Open Enrollment with clarity and confidence.

Picture of Andrew Harris
Andrew Harris

Andrew Harris is the founder of Simple Start Health Insurance with over 8 years of experience in the health insurance industry. He’s passionate about making coverage simple, human, and hassle-free. At Simple Start, Andrew helps families and individuals navigate Open Enrollment with clarity and confidence.

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