Health insurance open enrollment in a year of historic changes
Aqui4You's guide to prepare for open enrollment and the changes the year brings.
2026 enrollment starts earlier
Open enrollment for 2026 coverage begins on November 1, 2025. The article warns of a possible end to enhanced subsidies, price increases, plan and network changes, and stricter rules for financial help.
Published dates
Outside the OEP you can enroll only with a special period for a qualifying life event, or through Medicaid or CHIP if you qualify.
November 1, 2025: open enrollment begins, to enroll, renew, or change plans.
December 15, 2025: deadline for coverage to start on January 1, 2026.
January 15, 2026: last day of open enrollment in most states.
February 1, 2026: coverage for enrollments made between December 16 and January 15.
What can change and which documents to gather
End of enhanced subsidies, higher premiums, and stricter verification rules.
Plans or networks that may leave the market, including doctors.
More access to catastrophic plans for people who do not qualify for subsidies: low premiums and high deductibles.
Names, dates of birth, and SSNs for the household.
Immigration documents, if they apply.
Pay stubs, W-2s, or taxes to estimate 2026 income.
Current policy numbers and the employer's coverage offer, if one exists.
What to compare
The article describes the risk of going without coverage: high hospital bills, delayed care, and, in some states, possible penalties for not having minimum coverage. Advice from a licensed Aqui4You agent has no extra cost.
Monthly premium.
Deductible: what you pay before the plan shares the cost.
Copays and coinsurance.
Out-of-pocket maximum.
Doctor and hospital network.
Metal level and expected use.
Drug formulary.
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