Open Enrollment begins November 1st! Don’t miss out on options for 2026 coverage.
Open Enrollment for health insurance begins on Nov. 1 and ends on Jan. 15. During this period, you can sign up for a new health plan or make changes to your existing coverage. Missing this window could mean having to wait another year for coverage unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Our agents created an Open Enrollment insurance guide to ensure you aren’t missing any steps and get the coverage you need within your budget.
Our salaried agents aren’t biased by high-commission plans and will help you avoid paying too much or miss out on the right coverage. For no additional charge!
Supplemental insurance helps cover out-of-pocket costs, like deductibles, copayments, or added coverage for vision, dental, critical illness, and more.
In 2025, the average subsidy (advance premium tax credit) received by ACA Marketplace enrollees was around $888 per year.
Of ACA plans in 2025 do not include adult dental or vision coverage, meaning enrollees often need supplemental plans to cover these services.
Our agents understand navigating healthcare options can feel overwhelming. That’s why we don’t offer a one-size-fits-all approach. We become your personal healthcare guides, working closely with you to understand your unique family situation and budget concerns.
Unlike some competitors, our agents are salary-based, motivated by helping you find the best fit, not just making a commission. We help individuals, families, and small businesses access the healthcare benefits they deserve by offering diversity in products and acting as carrier-agnostic advisors. Your needs are our sole focus.
We’ll break down coverage options and costs clearly, ensuring you understand exactly what you’re getting for your budget.
We’re committed to transparency. Our agents are salary-based, focused on finding the best fit for you, not commissions.
We’ll answer your questions, address your concerns, and ensure you feel confident about your healthcare decisions.
Expansion of Catastrophic Plan Access:
Access to higher deductible, catastrophic plans will expand for consumers with a “hardship exemption” if they are not eligible for premium tax credits or subsidies. These plans generally have a lower monthly premium, but annual deductibles are higher. (CMS)
Enhanced Subsidies Set to Expire:
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 that extended enhanced subsidies for ACA plans will expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress acts to change it. Without tax credits, it is estimated that out-of-pocket premiums will be 114% higher. (KFF)
Projected Premium Adjustments:
While specific premium rates for 2026 vary by state and insurer, factors such as medical inflation and changes in healthcare utilization may lead to premium adjustments.
Plan Modifications:
Insurers may update plan offerings, including changes to provider networks, covered services, and cost-sharing structures. Reviewing these changes ensures your plan continues to meet your healthcare needs.
Lower-Income Consumer Limitations:
Provisions for consumers with estimated incomes less than or equal to 150% of the federal poverty level to enroll in Marketplace coverage all year, not just during Open Enrollment, will expire in 2026.
Enrollment Deadlines:
The Open Enrollment Period for 2026 coverage runs from Nov. 1, 2025, to Jan. 15, 2026. Enrolling by Dec. 15, 2025, ensures coverage begins on Jan. 1, 2026. (QHP Certification)
Yes, it’s completely free to work with our licensed agents when setting up your ACA plan. Our agents provide expert guidance at no cost to you, helping you navigate your options and choose the best health coverage for your needs.
You don’t have to buy health insurance through the Exchanges or Marketplace. Many people have access to coverage through their employer. Champion Benefit Advisors can help you look at all your options, including Marketplace health insurance plans, private plans, and plans for individuals without employer provided coverage. We’ll consult with you on the most affordable health solution for your needs.
All plans on the Exchanges have deductibles, which is the amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance plan starts to pay. These plans will also have copayments, which is a fixed dollar amount you pay for a covered health care service before you’ve paid your deductible. And Marketplace plans will also have other out-of-pocket costs that may be needed if you use services not covered. Some preventive services are free and some plans will cover other services without any extra costs. Additionally, some plans offer cost-sharing reductions, which lower out-of-pocket costs for eligible individuals based on income.
We offer multiple supplemental products that help cover these out-of-pocket expenses.
To qualify for a plan on the Marketplace, you need to:
Enrollment happens annually: Normally, you can shop for plans during Open Enrollment, from November 1st to January 15th. This is the main window to get coverage for the next year.
But there are exceptions! You might qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you experience life changes like:
These events can open a special window to enroll in a plan outside of Open Enrollment.
Generally, no. Unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a qualifying life event, you’ll have to wait until the next Open Enrollment to change plans. Although, some private plans offer enrollment all year round.
The start date depends on when you enroll. Generally, coverage begins the following month if you enroll by the 15th of the prior month. If you enroll between November 1st and December 15th, you will have a January 1st start date. If you enroll between December 1st and January 15th would have a February 1st start date.
If you miss the Open Enrollment deadline, you generally can’t sign up for health insurance until the next Open Enrollment period. However, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you experience a qualifying life event, like losing coverage, getting married, or having a baby. If this doesn’t apply to you, we do offer private plans that you can enroll in all year round.
A Special Enrollment Period allows you to enroll in or change health plans outside of Open Enrollment due to qualifying life events. These events include marriage, birth or adoption of a child, losing other coverage, or moving to a new area. If you experience one of these, you can apply for coverage right away.
Subsidies and premium tax credits are available to help lower the cost of ACA health plans based on your income and household size. If you qualify, the credit can be applied directly to your monthly premium, making your coverage more affordable.
ACA plans are comprehensive and cover essential health benefits, including pre-existing conditions, maternity care, and mental health services. Short-term health plans typically offer limited coverage, excluding many essential benefits, and are usually not renewable. They may be a temporary option but won’t provide the same protections as ACA plans.
You can keep your doctor with an ACA plan if your provider is in the plan’s network. It’s important to check the provider directory of the plan you’re considering to make sure your doctor is covered, as networks can vary by plan.
Even with an ACA plan, supplemental insurance can be helpful for covering costs that aren’t included, like vision, dental, or additional out-of-pocket expenses such as deductibles and copayments. This added coverage can provide extra financial protection.
You can get help choosing the right plan by working with one of our licensed insurance agents. They’ll guide you through the available options, explain the details, and help you find a plan that fits your specific needs and budget. Agents also help you avoid mistakes or missing out on important benefits.