Open enrollment for the 2026 year has begun for the government healthcare plan sometimes referred to as ‘Obamacare’
It’s that time of year again—open enrollment for health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace (Healthcare.gov) is now open! From November 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026, individuals and families can sign up for or make changes to their health coverage for the upcoming year.
- Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1, 2026.
- Enroll by January 15 (the final deadline) for coverage starting February 1, 2026.
After January 15, you can only enroll if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (such as getting married, having a baby, or losing other coverage). You can apply for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) at any time of the year.
What is the Affordable Care Act?
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), sometimes referred to as “Obamacare,” is a law passed in 2010 to make health insurance more affordable and accessible. It provides protections for people with pre-existing conditions, expands Medicaid in many states, and offers subsidies to lower premiums through the Marketplace.
How do I sign up for health insurance through Healthcare.gov?
The American Hospital Association’s #GetCovered page has resources to help individuals find the best health insurance options. The AHA also works with CMS’s Champions for Coverage program to support community outreach and education.
Follow these steps to prepare before enrolling:
✅ Use this checklist (PDF) to gather necessary documents and information.
✅ See if you qualify for discounts—most people do!
✅ Learn how to compare plans to find the best option for your family.
✅ Understand how health insurance protects you with essential benefits, preventive care, and cost protection.
In 2025, Healthcare.gov underwent a major redesign to improve the mobile experience, simplify navigation, and enhance backend performance for users. These upgrades continue to benefit enrollees in 2026.
How much does health insurance cost on the Marketplace?
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS):
- 97% of users will have access to at least 3 insurance providers.
- 4 out of 5 people can find coverage for $10 or less per month with subsidies.
Plans fall into 4 categories:
| Plan Category | Plan Pays | You Pay | Deductible | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 60% | 40% | High | |
| Silver | 70% | 30% | Moderate | |
| Silver (with extra savings) |
73-96% | 4-27% | Low | |
| Platinum | 90% | 10% | Low | |
| Source: https://www.healthcare.gov/choose-a-plan/plans-categories/ | ||||
Here’s a sample cost estimate for a non-smoking family of 4 in Michigan earning $50,000:
- Estimated Premium Tax Credit: $1,785/month
- Monthly Premium (Silver Plan): $17/month
- Full Price Without Subsidy: $1,802/month
(Your actual costs may vary. Get a personalized estimate at Healthcare.gov.)
New for 2026: Medicare open enrollment
In addition to ACA Marketplace coverage, Medicare has its own Annual Enrollment Period (AEP):
- October 15 to December 7 – Enroll or make changes to Medicare plans.
- Changes take effect January 1, 2026.
During Medicare Open Enrollment, you can:
- Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
- Enroll in or change a Part D (prescription drug) plan
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare (with an option to add Part D)
Learn more at Medicare.gov.
Don’t miss your chance to get covered
With the 2026 open enrollment period for ACA plans underway, now is the time to review your health insurance options and secure the coverage that fits your needs. Whether you’re shopping for a better plan, enrolling for the first time, or switching Medicare options—the deadlines are fast approaching.
We’re here to help—Wilder Pantazis Law Group
At Wilder Pantazis Law Group, we care deeply about the health and well-being of our Charlotte community. We understand that injured workers often face barriers when accessing medical care—and having health insurance is just one part of the puzzle.
If you’ve been injured on the job in North Carolina, our experienced Charlotte workers’ compensation attorneys are ready to help you:
- Navigate your workers’ compensation claim
- Access the medical care and wage benefits you deserve
- Get support throughout your recovery
Schedule your free consultation with Wilder Pantazis Law Group today—and take the first step toward securing the care and stability you need.