It’s time to secure health coverage for 2026, and the open enrollment period, which runs from November 1 to January 15, is the perfect opportunity for Texans to find affordable health insurance. Although Congress is not extending enhanced insurance subsidies, subsidies will still be available to make insurance affordable, albeit not as high as they were in the past. If you don’t have a current insurance plan, consider enrolling in the marketplace through HealthCare.Gov. You can start your application, add your information, and see your coverage options. If you need help, contact a local nonprofit application assister.
If you already have Marketplace insurance, update your contact information and annual income projection to ensure you receive timely information about your options. You have until December 15 to choose a plan that will go into effect on January 1, 2026, and you can change your plan through January 15. Keep in mind that if Congress extends the enhanced tax credits, the price of coverage may decrease significantly.
To get free, unbiased advice about your options, reach out to a local ACA Navigator or Certified Application Counselor. They can guide you in choosing the right plan and understanding how plans work. Be cautious of “junk insurance” plans, such as short-term plans, limited duration plans, and healthcare sharing plans, which offer no guarantees or protections of actual health insurance.
All HealthCare.gov plans cover preventive care at no cost to enrollees, regardless of cost or insurer. The original tax credits that have been available since the beginning of the Affordable Care Act will remain in place. You can choose from Gold, Silver, and Bronze plans, with Bronze plans having lower monthly premiums but higher deductibles. Some insurance companies offer Bronze plans with copays to see doctors and get medications without first reaching a deductible.
It’s essential to review plans’ ‘Summaries of Benefits and Coverage’ to see full plan details. Contact your congressional representatives to express your support for extending the enhanced Premium Tax Credits, which will expire on December 31 if Congress fails to renew them. This could put health coverage in jeopardy for over 1 million Texans. By taking action now, you can ensure you have the health coverage you need for 2026.