Health Insurance Sign-Up Window Arrives Amidst Uncertainty

The annual enrollment window for millions of people to pick an individual health insurance plan opens in nearly all states, and a heavy dose of politics weighs on this year’s search. Higher prices, less help, and a government shutdown all hang over health insurance markets as shoppers start looking for coverage this week.

The Current State of Health Insurance

The federal government shut down earlier this month as Democrats in Congress demanded negotiations to extend enhanced tax credits that have helped people buy coverage the past few years. Republicans say they won’t negotiate until Democrats vote to reopen the government. Stuck in the middle are insurance customers, many of whom will be facing the biggest premium hikes they’ve seen in years and may be forced to consider changing plans.

The Importance of Shopping Around

“It seems overwhelming, but it really is important to shop and consider your choices,” said Sara Collins, an insurance expert with the Commonwealth Fund. Shoppers will have until Jan. 15 in most states to find a plan for 2026, but have to make their choice by Dec. 15 if they want coverage starting New Year’s Day. This is the main chance people with individual coverage have every year to find a plan for the next year. More than 24 million people enrolled in individual plans for 2025, according to KFF, which studies health care issues.

Enrollment Deadlines

The first deadline is in 6 weeks. Shoppers will have until Jan. 15 in most states to find a plan for 2026, but have to make their choice by Dec. 15 if they want coverage starting New Year’s Day. People can buy a new plan with help from income-based tax credits through insurance marketplaces set up in every state. Former President Joe Biden’s administration beefed up that help with enhanced tax credits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those are set to expire this year unless Congress works out an extension.

Expected Price Hikes

You may see price hikes. KFF has said that premiums, or the cost of coverage, will jump around 20% next year on average. But the expiring tax credits could cause coverage costs to more than double for some. Insurance has become more expensive because care costs are rising, a big worry for Americans. Insurers also set prices assuming the extra tax credits would expire — and that healthy people who paid little for coverage in 2025 might not return because of that.

Reduced Assistance

Help may be harder to find. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in February cut funding by 90% for a federal program that provides navigators who help people find coverage. That will lead to less free help in more than two dozen states that rely on the federal government to run their health insurance marketplaces. Kaye Pestaina, a vice president with KFF, said help like this is especially important for first-time shoppers who need to predict their income to get tax credit help.

What You Can Do

Shoppers can get a sense for their options by checking their state marketplace. You can find that by visiting healthcare.gov. Collins said people should start there, not Google. Search engine results could connect you with someone selling more limited, short-term insurance. Fill out the application for tax credit help first, said Joshua Brooker, a Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based independent insurance agent. That will tell you whether any help is available to you now. That assistance will automatically be updated if the enhanced tax credits are renewed.

Tips for Shopping

Then pick a plan. Look beyond the premium. Consider any deductibles you may have to pay, what doctors or hospitals are in the insurer’s network and how any prescriptions would be covered. Don’t wait to see whether the extra tax credit debate is resolved. That may not happen during your enrollment window. If it does, you can revisit your choice. “You do have a mulligan,” Brooker said. Agents say many people procrastinate on insurance shopping. That can make it tougher to find help as sign-up deadlines approach.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the health insurance sign-up window has arrived, and it’s essential to be aware of the changes and challenges that come with it. With higher prices, less help, and a government shutdown, it’s crucial to shop around and consider your options carefully. Don’t wait until the last minute, and make sure you have a plan in place.

FAQs

• Q: When is the enrollment window for health insurance?
  A: The enrollment window for health insurance opens on Saturday in nearly all states and will last until Jan. 15, 2026.
• Q: What is the deadline for coverage starting on New Year’s Day?
  A: The deadline for coverage starting on New Year’s Day is Dec. 15.
• Q: How can I get help with finding a health insurance plan?
  A: You can get help by visiting healthcare.gov, and filling out the application for tax credit help.
• Q: What should I consider when choosing a health insurance plan?
  A: You should consider the premium, deductibles, network of doctors and hospitals, and prescription coverage.
• Q: Can I change my plan if the tax credit debate is resolved during the enrollment window?
  A: Yes, you can revisit your choice if the tax credit debate is resolved during the enrollment window.