Extended Open Enrollment 2026: Final Days Before January 15 Deadline | RKA
Open Enrollment 2026 closes January 15. Enroll by Dec 15 for Jan 1 coverage, or by Jan 15 for Feb 1 coverage. Don't auto-renew into higher 2026 rates—compare ACA Marketplace plans vs private PPOs and verify your doctors are covered.
Extended Open Enrollment 2026: Final Days to Lock Coverage – Deadline January 15
Fast take: Open Enrollment 2026 runs through January 15 in most states. If you enroll by December 15, coverage starts January 1. Enroll by January 15, coverage starts February 1. This is your last window to compare ACA Marketplace plans vs. private PPOs and secure your 2026 rate.
Need help choosing the best plan before Jan 15?
We'll verify your doctors and prescriptions, compare ACA vs. PPO options, and show clear costs—no pressure, just answers.
Get Free Quotes Book a CallKey dates to remember
Open Enrollment Window
Nov 1, 2025 → Jan 15, 2026
(most states)
Enroll by Dec 15
Coverage starts Jan 1, 2026
Enroll by Jan 15
Coverage starts Feb 1, 2026
What to do before the deadline
1) Verify your providers
Marketplace networks can be narrow—HMO/EPO-heavy with referral requirements. Private PPOs often offer broader access. We'll confirm your doctors are in-network before you enroll.
2) Compare total annual cost
Don't just look at premiums. Factor in deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums with your expected usage patterns.
3) Check subsidy eligibility
Income-based tax credits can dramatically lower Marketplace premiums. We'll estimate your 2026 subsidy eligibility and show net costs.
4) Consider private PPO alternatives
If you don't qualify for subsidies or need nationwide PPO access, private medically underwritten PPOs may offer lower total costs and fewer restrictions.
How to decide in minutes
Pick an HMO or POS if…
✓ You want lower premiums and you're comfortable staying within a local network.
✓ You prefer having one doctor coordinate all care and provide referrals.
✓ You rarely travel or need specialists outside your area.
Pick a PPO or EPO if…
✓ You want the freedom to see specialists without referrals and value a larger network.
✓ You travel often or need access to doctors across multiple states.
✓ You're willing to pay higher premiums to avoid network restrictions or referrals.
How RKA helps with last-minute enrollment
- Fast comparisons: ACA vs. PPO side-by-side with your providers
- Network verification: We confirm your doctors before you commit
- Clean enrollment: We'll hit the deadline and set your correct effective date
Quick FAQs
What if I miss the January 15 deadline?
You'll need a Qualifying Life Event for a Special Enrollment Period, or you'll wait until next Open Enrollment. Private PPOs may still be available year-round if eligible.
Can I change plans if I already enrolled?
During Open Enrollment, you can switch plans. After January 15, changes require an SEP.
Will my 2025 plan auto-renew?
Yes, but you may pay more in 2026. Many insurers raised rates significantly—review before auto-renewal hits.
For education only; eligibility and benefits vary by carrier and state. Always review official plan documents.
Preparing for Open Enrollment 2026: Key Steps Every Consumer Should Know
Open Enrollment 2026 runs Nov 1, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026. Learn key deadlines, cost trends, and smart moves to compare ACA Marketplace vs. private PPO options. Get guidance from RKA Insurance Advisors to lock the right coverage before prices ju
Preparing for Open Enrollment 2026: Dates, Deadlines, and Smart Moves
Fast take: For most states, Open Enrollment runs Nov 1, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026. Enroll by Dec 15 for a Jan 1 start; enroll by Jan 15 for a Feb 1 start. We compare Marketplace (government) vs. Private PPO (licensed access) side-by-side, verify doctors & prescriptions, and lock 2026 costs—no pressure, just answers.
Need help choosing the best fit in your ZIP?
We’ll verify your doctors and medications, compare Marketplace vs. Private PPO, and show clear costs—no pressure, just answers.
Why costs are climbing
- Medical inflation: Hospital, physician, and facility prices continue to outpace wage growth.
- Rx trend: Specialty drugs (including GLP-1 therapies) are widening spend.
- Higher utilization: Delayed care is catching up, pushing claims higher.
- Plan design shifts: Employers may raise deductibles/copays or adjust contributions.
What to compare during open enrollment (October–December)
Marketplace (Government)
- Premium tax credits available if income qualifies.
- HMO/EPO networks are common; referrals often required.
- County-based networks; choices vary by ZIP.
- Available during Open Enrollment or a qualifying life event.
Private PPO (Licensed Access)
- Broad PPO access; referrals typically not required.
- Medically underwritten—can be lower-cost for healthy households.
- Often better for travel, provider choice, or specialist access.
- Available year-round (subject to eligibility and effective-date rules).
Key 2026 enrollment timing
- Enroll by Dec 15, 2025 for coverage starting Jan 1, 2026.
- Enroll by Jan 15, 2026 for coverage starting Feb 1, 2026.
- State-based exchanges may vary—ask us to confirm your state’s exact dates.
How RKA helps (no pressure—just answers)
- Side-by-side comparisons: Marketplace vs. Private PPO, matched to your doctors and prescriptions.
- Network & Rx checks: We confirm providers and tiers up front to prevent surprises.
- Year-round support: We stay with you for renewals, plan changes, and claims questions.
Want a side-by-side Marketplace vs. Private PPO analysis?
We’ll verify networks and medications, compare plans in your ZIP, and show clear costs—no pressure, just answers.
Quick FAQs
Is the employer plan always best?
Not always. If spousal or child premiums are high, placing them on Marketplace or Private PPO can cut total household cost while keeping access. We’ll model both paths.
Can you verify our doctors and hospitals first?
Yes. We confirm providers and prescriptions up front so you avoid out-of-network surprises or Rx tier shocks later.
Can we switch mid-year?
Generally only with a qualifying life event. Otherwise, Open Enrollment is your main window. Private PPOs may offer licensed access year-round if eligible.
Educational use only; benefits and eligibility vary by employer, carrier, and state. Always review official plan documents.