Montana ACA Open Enrollment Runs Through Jan. 15; State Auditor Warns About 'Limited Partner' Plans
HELENA, Mont. — The window for Montanans to choose 2027 health coverage is open. State Auditor James Brown, who serves as Montana's Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, reminded residents on November 2 that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace open enrollment period runs from November 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027, when people can apply for, renew, or change health plans for the coming year.
Two dates matter most. Coverage can begin as early as January 1, 2027, for those who enroll or change plans by December 15, 2026. For those who enroll or change plans between December 16, 2026, and January 15, 2027, and pay their first premium, coverage starts February 1, 2027. After January 15, consumers may only enroll or change Marketplace plans if they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Enrollment runs through HealthCare.gov, and ACA-compliant individual plans are also available through licensed insurance agents.
Brown also warned residents to carefully review any coverage offered outside the ACA Marketplace. His agency 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 ACA-compliant and do not provide comprehensive medical coverage, although they may be marketed otherwise, leaving consumers at risk 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," Brown said. Montana consumers can contact the Insurance Consumer Service Bureau at the Auditor's Office before enrolling, 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：蒙大拿州议会大厦，位于州府 Helena。Wikimedia Commons（CC BY 4.0）。 / Photo: The Montana State Capitol in Helena. Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0).
