Affordable Care Act
ObamaCare Enrollment Assistance
Latest updates · October 2026
What's changed for Virginia & Maryland
New: Virginia Premium Savings for 2027
Virginia set aside $150 million to lower Marketplace premiums. Some eligible residents may pay $0 a month. Found coverage too expensive before? Check again.
Open Enrollment for 2027 starts November 1
Virginia's Marketplace runs November 1, 2026 – January 29, 2027. Check Maryland Health Connection for its 2027 dates. Apply early so coverage starts January 1.
The extra federal subsidies ended
The enhanced premium tax credits expired at the end of 2025. The original ACA tax credit still exists, but many families now get less help.
Noncitizen eligibility is narrowing
Federal law changes who can get financial help and Medicaid. Some lawfully present immigrants lose help in 2026 and 2027.
Virginia
Virginia's Insurance MarketplaceNew for 2027: Virginia Premium Savings
- Created by the new Virginia Health Insurance Affordability Fund. The state has set aside $150 million and estimates up to 200,000 Virginians could benefit.
- Generally for incomes between 138% and 250% of the federal poverty level — about $22,025–$39,900 for one person, or $45,540–$82,500 for a family of four.
- Adds to federal premium tax credits. Some people who can't get the federal credit may still qualify for state savings.
- Some eligible residents may qualify for a $0 monthly premium. A $0 premium still can have deductibles and copays.
- Funding is first-come, first-served, and the Marketplace decides who qualifies when you apply. Open enrollment: November 1, 2026 – January 29, 2027 (shorter than past years).
- Enhanced federal premium tax credits expired January 1, 2026. Households at or above 100% of the federal poverty level can still qualify for the regular tax credit.
- Since January 2026, people under 100% of the poverty level who can't get Medicaid because of immigration status can still buy a plan, but at full price.
- Starting October 1, 2026, most non-pregnant adults with certain immigration statuses lose full-benefit Medicaid. Citizens, green-card holders, Cuban-Haitian entrants and COFA migrants stay eligible.
- Children and pregnant individuals keep Medicaid / FAMIS eligibility rules unchanged.
- Starting January 1, 2027, only citizens, U.S. nationals and certain noncitizens (such as green-card holders) can get the federal tax credit. Other lawfully present immigrants can still buy a plan and may qualify for Virginia Premium Savings.
- Starting January 2027, some Medicaid expansion adults (ages 19–64) must show 80 hours a month of work, school or volunteering, and coverage is reviewed every 6 months.
Maryland
Maryland Health Connection- Maryland created State Premium Assistance to replace some or all of the lost federal help for households under 400% of the poverty level. Those under 200% get the most help.
- Maryland's young-adult subsidy (ages 18–37) continues alongside it.
- Anyone who enrolled after April 1, 2026 does not receive State Premium Assistance — timing matters.
- 2026 individual plan rates rose about 13.4% on average. Many families moved to cheaper plans with higher deductibles — check the trade-off before you choose.
- Starting January 1, 2027, many lawfully present immigrants lose financial help for a private plan. Among noncitizens, only green-card holders, Cuban/Haitian entrants and COFA migrants keep it.
- Starting January 1, 2027, all Maryland Medicaid members must renew every 6 months, and some adults must meet work requirements.
Rules change often. Book an appointment and we'll check exactly what you qualify for.
Our services include
Plan Selection
Guidance on choosing the right plan from available marketplace options, including Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers.
Eligibility Assistance
Support with determining subsidy and tax credit eligibility to lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
Enrollment Support
Step-by-step help with the application process, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.
Renewal Services
Assistance with renewing or updating your coverage to reflect changes in income, household size, or other qualifying events.
Special Enrollment Periods
Guidance for those eligible for coverage outside the annual Open Enrollment Period.
With a focus on Virginia and Maryland residents, Ghion Financial ensures you have access to expert knowledge of state-specific marketplaces, like Virginia's new state-based exchange, while also supporting federal marketplace applications. Let us simplify the process, save you time, and ensure you and your family get the coverage you need.
Book Appointment