Montana ACA Open Enrollment Opens: Auditor Brown Warns Shoppers to Review Limited Partner Plans Carefully
Montana State Auditor James Brown, who also serves as the state's Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, issued a reminder in Helena on November 2, 2026, that open enrollment for 2027 health coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace runs from November 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027, and urged Montanans to carefully review any coverage offered outside the Marketplace, including so-called limited partner plans.
The open enrollment period allows people to apply for, renew, or change health plans for the coming year. Coverage can begin as early as January 1, 2027, for those who enroll or change plans by December 15, 2026. January 15, 2027, is the last day to enroll or change plans for the year; after that date, consumers may only enroll or change Marketplace plans if they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Coverage starts February 1, 2027, for those who enroll or change plans between December 16, 2026, and January 15, 2027, and pay their first premium. Individual health plans that comply with the ACA are available through a licensed insurance agent or the federal HealthCare.gov marketplace.
Auditor Brown advised Montanans to carefully review any health insurance coverage offered outside the ACA Marketplace. His office has identified plans that claim they are self-funded and refer to consumers as limited partners or employees in order to avoid Montana consumer-protection regulations. These plans may not be compliant with the ACA and do not provide comprehensive medical coverage, although they may be marketed otherwise, leaving consumers with the possibility of being responsible for unpaid medical bills.
"If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. If a health insurance policy offers unusually low premiums and low deductibles yet promises full or unlimited coverage, be skeptical," Auditor Brown said. Montana consumers can contact the Insurance Consumer Service (ICS) Bureau at the Auditor's Office before enrolling in a plan if they have questions or concerns, at 800-332-6148 or 406-444-2524.
(Source: Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance)
Source: Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：位于 Helena 的蒙大拿州议会大厦。Kenneth J. Gill 摄，CC BY-SA 4.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: The Montana State Capitol in Helena. Photo by Kenneth J. Gill, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
