Healthcare open enrollment for 2026

It’s almost time for the Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Period, and we want to make sure you’re prepared to make the best choices for your 2026 health coverage. To help, we’ve put together a short video from our staff explaining the biggest changes you’ll see this year.

Key Dates to Remember

  • Open Enrollment Begins: November 1, 2025

  • Deadline to Enroll or Make Changes: December 15, 2025 (effective January 1, 2026)

  • Extended Enrollment Deadline: January 15, 2026 (effective February 1, 2026)

During Open Enrollment Period, You Can:

  • Enroll in a new Affordable Care Act health plan

  • Renew your current coverage

  • Make changes to your existing plan (like updating income, household size, or coverage level)

One Big Beautiful Bill Act: What’s Changing in 2026

  1. Automatic Re-Enrollment Is Ending
    Starting in 2026, you must actively renew your Marketplace application each year to make sure your tax credits are correct.  You can do this by logging into Healthcare.gov or setting up a short meeting with our staff.

  2. Stricter Income Verification
    You may need to submit additional documents to prove your income and subsidy eligibility. Missing this step could result in higher premiums or loss of coverage.

  3. Expiration of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (APTCs)
    During COVID-19, enhanced subsidies made coverage more affordable:

  • Households above 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) became eligible for subsidies.

  • Many families who used to pay full price received financial help.

But these enhancements expire after 2025:

  • Starting in 2026, households above 400% FPL will no longer qualify for subsidies.

  • You can still keep your Marketplace plan, but you’ll be responsible for the full premium.

We’ll be here to guide you through these changes and help you find the most affordable and appropriate coverage for 2026.

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