Robert Adams 11/17/22 Robert Adams 11/17/22

IMPORTANT OPEN-ENROLLMENT INFO AND DEADLINES

Open Enrollment only comes once a year—and missing a deadline can lock you into the wrong plan or higher premiums for all of 2026. Here’s a clear breakdown of the dates, what changes, and how we compare Marketplace vs private PPO options with your doctors and meds.

Enrollment Help • Open Enrollment 2026

Written by Robert Adams

Important Open Enrollment Info & Deadlines

Open Enrollment is your once-a-year chance to update, compare, or switch your health insurance. Deadlines, changes in income, or network shifts can impact your premium and benefits. Here is what you need to know to avoid unexpected costs or gaps in coverage.

Key Deadlines for Open Enrollment 2026

Open Enrollment Start

Starts November 1st
Best time to compare plans before rates increase

First Major Deadline

December 15th
Last day for January 1st start

Final Open Enrollment Deadline

January 15th
Last chance to change or enroll until 2027 (unless SEP applies)

Why These Dates Matter

Plans and premiums change every year.
Your income may push you into a new tax-credit bracket.
Networks, deductibles, and prescriptions may shift.
If you do nothing, you may auto-renew into a more expensive or worse plan.

Marketplace vs Private PPO: What to Review

Marketplace Changes (ACA)

New premiums updated yearly
Tax-credit amounts may shift
Many plans are HMO/EPO only
Doctor networks change frequently

Private PPO Updates

Nationwide PPO access
No referrals required
Premiums based on age, ZIP, and network
Great for frequent travelers or specialists

Want the best plan for your ZIP?

We’ll verify your doctors, prescriptions, and compare Marketplace vs Private PPO options.

Get Free Quotes Book a Call

FAQ

Do I have to update my income each year?

Yes. Incorrect income can cause large tax-credit paybacks at tax time.

Can I change plans after December 15th?

Yes — you have until January 15th. But changes after 12/15 start February 1st.

Can you confirm my doctors?

Absolutely. We verify every doctor, hospital, specialist, and medication before you enroll.

Robert Adams 10/30/22 Robert Adams 10/30/22

OPEN ENROLLMENT IS HERE

Open Enrollment is open. 2026 premiums, networks, and deductibles are changing again. Here’s what to check now to avoid paying more or losing your doctors.

ENROLLMENT HELP • OPEN ENROLLMENT 2026

Written by Robert Adams

Open Enrollment Is Here: How to Avoid a Bad 2026 Plan

Open Enrollment is the short window each year when you can reset your coverage for the next calendar year. For 2026, premiums, deductibles, and networks are all shifting again. If you simply let your plan auto-renew, you could end up paying more, losing doctors, or getting stuck with the wrong deductible. Here’s what to do while Open Enrollment is open.

Key Dates While Open Enrollment Is Active

Open Enrollment Window

Normally runs November 1st through mid-January
Best time to compare plans before 2026 rates fully kick in

Priority Deadline

Mid-December cutoff for a January 1st start
Miss this and your new plan may not start until February

Final Change Deadline

Last day of Open Enrollment is usually mid-January
After this, changes typically require a qualifying life event (SEP)

Why You Shouldn’t Just Auto-Renew

Your 2025 plan can come back in 2026 with new premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
Doctor and hospital networks can quietly change—your provider may no longer be in-network.
Prescriptions may move to a different tier or require new prior authorizations.
If you don’t actively review options, you could pay more for less coverage all year long.

Marketplace vs Private PPO: What to Check Right Now

If You’re on the ACA Marketplace

Re-run your income and household size—tax credits can change year to year.
Confirm your doctors and main hospitals are still in-network.
Review deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums for 2026.
Watch for HMO/EPO restrictions and referral rules.

If You Qualify for Private PPO Options

Check nationwide PPO access if you travel or live in more than one state.
Confirm no referral requirements for specialists when eligible.
Compare total cost: premium + expected usage, not just the monthly price.
Good fit for self-employed, 1099, and families who want provider flexibility.

Want the right 2026 plan for your ZIP?

During Open Enrollment, we’ll verify your doctors and prescriptions, compare Marketplace and Private PPO options, and lay out the numbers in plain English before you decide.