McLean-area residents shopping for individual health insurance face higher prices and fewer choices when Virginia's marketplace open enrollment begins Nov. 1.

Nine insurers will offer plans on the Virginia Insurance Marketplace for 2027, down from 10 after Cigna Healthcare exits the individual market, the Fairfax County Times reported. Cigna currently covers about 8% of Virginia's individual market enrollment, meaning those customers must pick a new plan.

Insurers have requested premium increases ranging from 3.9% to 22.7% above 2026 rates, according to an August press release from the State Corporation Commission (SCC). Sentara Health Plans requested the steepest hike at 22.7%. Oscar requested 13.4%. Optimum Choice requested the smallest at 3.9%. Those requests follow a 20.9% rate increase for 2026. The actual cost to any household depends on plan choice, age and subsidy eligibility.

A new state program could soften the blow. The Virginia Premium Savings Program, created by the 2026 General Assembly and Gov. Abigail Spanberger, is backed by $150 million in state funds. Eligible households with incomes between 138% and 250% of the federal poverty level could see premiums drop by as much as 70%, WHRO reported. That covers single residents earning roughly $22,025 to $39,900 and families of four earning $45,540 to $82,500.

Keven Patchett, executive director of the State Health Benefit Exchange, said there are no extra forms to fill out. Monthly savings would average $65 to $90 per person, with some households saving up to $360 per month depending on size and income, Patchett said. The savings are first-come, first-served.

The program supplements the existing Commonwealth Health Reinsurance Program (CHRP), which has reduced rates an average of 15% or more since its launch in 2023, according to the Fairfax County Times. The Bureau of Insurance has started the process to extend CHRP for another five years.

Tens of thousands of Virginians have already dropped their marketplace coverage in 2026 after enhanced federal subsidies expired. Virginia Mercury reported in early September that about 94,000 had dropped coverage, citing State Health Benefit Exchange data. WHRO reported in October that 70,000 had left the exchange.

Lydia Allen, director of community health at Northern Virginia Family Services, said understanding insurance remains the biggest barrier for families. "The terminology is complex, and so we really take the time to meet with the individuals that we work with one on one to explain the difference between copays, coinsurances, deductibles, premiums …" she told the Fairfax County Times.

Allen recommended residents read mail from their current insurers and visit enrollva.org for free, unbiased plan comparisons.

Open enrollment runs through Jan. 29, 2027. Residents can compare plans at marketplace.virginia.gov or call 888-687-1501 for free enrollment help.