The next season of Marketplace Open Enrollment is about to start this Saturday, November 1, 2025 on Healthcare.gov. People who want to sign up for comprehensive health coverage have until January 15, 2026 to complete the sign-up process, and those who enroll by December 15th will be able to start using their insurance on January 1, 2025. Those enrolling between December 16-January 15 will have their coverage be effective on February 1, 2025.
What is different this year?
The tax credits designed to help individuals cover the cost of their health insurance premiums are significantly reduced for 2026. The enhanced tax credits are set to expire at the end of this year. As of now, Congress is debating extending these enhanced tax credits for 2026 and possibly beyond. Unless Congress approves an extension, Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that subsidized enrollees will double what they currently pay in premiums. One of the features of the enhanced premium tax credits was the availability of $0 premium plans for some low income individuals and without extending the tax credits, these plans would no longer be available. AAHD is monitoring the situation and will provide updates should Congress pass an extension of the tax credits. In the meantime, individuals should be prepared to see higher monthly premiums when they shop for a plan this year.
Where can I enroll?
Individuals who want to enroll through the marketplace can do so at healthcare.gov. For those living in states who run their own state-based marketplace, healthcare.gov will redirect individuals to their state website. If you need assistance, the marketplace can be reached at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). Additionally, local health insurance navigators are available and can be located at http://localhelp.healthcare.gov/.
If I have a disability, what should I consider when selecting a plan?
Many people with disabilities have unique health care needs and need to ensure that any health insurance plan is designed to meet those needs. Simply selecting the plan that is cheapest on the marketplace could actually end up costing individuals more in the long run if the plan comes with high deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs. Other questions that people with disabilities should consider are:
- Are my current health care providers included in the plan’s network?
- Are other specialists which I may need to see in the network?
- Are the medications I take listed in the plan’s list of covered drugs and what are the out-of-pocket costs associated with medications?
- Are other supports and services or durable medical equipment which I require covered under the plan?
- Are there limits in coverage for how many visits are allowed for services I require (e.g. physical therapy)?
- Does the plan cover mental health services to the same extent as other benefits?
These are just a sampling of questions that individuals should consider. Every person’s situation is unique and consulting with a local health insurance navigator can help people determine whether the coverage being purchased is adequate to meet that person’s needs.
Are there other resources available to help me with making my decision?
The National Disability Navigator Resource Collaborative (NDNRC) website has topical and population specific fact sheets focused on the needs of enrollees with disabilities. Additionally, you can subscribe to our newsletters to stay current on the ACA marketplace, Medicaid, policy developments and research opportunities supporting people with disabilities.