Healthcare.gov makes it possible to compare and enroll in health plans, but navigating your options can still be confusing. Our local North Carolina health insurance agents can help you find the right plan—and it's completely free.
Did you know that health insurance agents can help you sign up through Healthcare.gov at no cost to you?
While online platforms have made it easier to browse health insurance options, choosing the right plan and navigating the complexities of coverage, costs, and subsidies can still be a challenge. This is especially true for 2026, when significant changes to premium tax credits may affect what you pay.
If you need help choosing the right health insurance, our experienced, knowledgeable, and local health insurance agents can guide you through the process—for free.
Healthcare.gov is the official online marketplace for health insurance in the United States. Also known as the Health Insurance Marketplace or the ACA Exchange, it was established under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010.
Through Healthcare.gov, you can:
Compare different health insurance plans side by side
View plan benefits, deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums
Find out if you qualify for premium tax credits (subsidies) to lower your monthly costs
Check if you are eligible for cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans
Enroll in a health insurance plan that fits your budget and healthcare needs
North Carolina uses the federal Healthcare.gov platform, which means residents can shop for ACA Marketplace plans on the national website.
Each year, there's an Open Enrollment Period when you can enroll in a new health insurance plan, renew or change your existing plan, or cancel coverage.
2026 Open Enrollment Dates for North Carolina:
November 1, 2025: Open Enrollment begins
December 15, 2025: Deadline to enroll for coverage starting January 1, 2026
January 15, 2026: Open Enrollment ends (coverage starts February 1)
Important: Starting in the fall of 2026, Open Enrollment will end on December 15 instead of January 15 due to federal rule changes. This is the last year with the extended January 15 deadline.
Outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period, you can use Healthcare.gov to manage your existing plan. However, you can only enroll in a new plan or make changes if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
Qualifying life events for a Special Enrollment Period include:
Losing health coverage (job loss, aging off a parent's plan, losing Medicaid)
Getting married or divorced
Having a baby or adopting a child
Moving to a new state or county
Gaining citizenship or lawful presence
The 2026 plan year brings significant changes that make working with an agent especially valuable:
Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Expiring:
Since 2021, the federal government has provided enhanced premium tax credits, making ACA Marketplace plans more affordable for millions of Americans. These enhanced subsidies, originally part of the American Rescue Plan and extended through the Inflation Reduction Act, were scheduled to expire on December 31, 2025.
Unless Congress acts, premiums for subsidized enrollees are expected to more than double on average in 2026. According to KFF, annual premium payments for subsidized enrollees could increase from an average of $888 in 2025 to $1,904 in 2026—a 114% increase.
People with incomes above 400% of the federal poverty level (about $63,000 for an individual or $129,000 for a family of four) may lose subsidy eligibility entirely, returning to the "subsidy cliff."
What this means for you:
Your 2026 premiums may be significantly higher than 2025
You may need to switch to a different plan to keep costs manageable
Understanding your subsidy eligibility is more important than ever
A health insurance agent can help you navigate these changes and find the most affordable option
Other 2026 Changes:
Higher out-of-pocket maximums: The upper limit for out-of-pocket costs increases to $10,600 for individuals and $21,200 for families
Fewer insurers in NC: Only six insurers are offering Marketplace plans for 2026, down from 9 in 2025
HSA-eligible plans: Bronze and Catastrophic plans now work with Health Savings Accounts
A health insurance agent is a licensed professional who understands the details of the health insurance plans available through Healthcare.gov. Because of their expertise, they can simplify the enrollment process and provide guidance tailored to your specific needs and circumstances—helping you make an informed decision about which plan is right for you.
Here's how a health insurance agent can help:
Personalized Plan Recommendations:
Agents take time to understand your unique healthcare needs, budget, preferred doctors, and prescriptions. They'll narrow down your options and recommend plans that actually fit your situation—not just the cheapest option or the one with the most advertising.
Clear Explanations of Complicated Terms:
Insurance terminology can be confusing if you don't work in the industry. Deductibles, copays, coinsurance, out-of-pocket maximums, HMO vs. PPO—our agents explain your options in simple, easy-to-understand language so you know exactly what you're signing up for.
Subsidy and Cost-Saving Guidance:
With premium tax credits changing for 2026, understanding your subsidy eligibility is critical. Agents can help you estimate your income accurately, identify whether you qualify for cost-sharing reductions (only available on Silver plans), and find ways to lower your costs.
Enrollment Assistance:
Our agents help you complete all the necessary forms and paperwork correctly. They'll ensure nothing is missing, and there are no errors—making the process go as smoothly as possible so you get covered faster.
Year-Round Support:
Your circumstances can change at any time—not just during Open Enrollment. Our agents are here to help if you need to make changes to your coverage. We can assist with adding new family members, finding a new plan because you're moving, or navigating a life change that qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period.
No Cost to You:
The best part about using an experienced health insurance agent? It's free. Insurance companies compensate us through commissions so that we won't charge you anything for our service. The premium you pay is the same whether you enroll on your own or with our help. We don't push you into a particular product—we assess what's right for you and recommend options for you to choose from.
With so many health insurance plans available, you want to ensure you're getting a plan that offers the right coverage for you and your family—at a price point that suits your budget. This is especially important in 2026, when premium changes may significantly affect your options.
Using a health insurance agent who specializes in North Carolina means you've got someone who:
Understands the plan options available to North Carolinians
Knows which insurers and networks serve different parts of the state
Can discuss your options in detail to help you secure the best coverage
Is available to answer questions and provide support after enrollment
We'll work closely with you to find the right plan and answer any questions you have, ensuring you're comfortable and confident with your coverage.
Open Enrollment for 2026 coverage runs from November 1, 2025, through January 15, 2026. If you want coverage to start on January 1, 2026, you'll need to enroll by December 15, 2025.
Our agents are here to help you find the right health insurance plan and make sure you get the coverage you need, when you need it. Don't navigate the changing ACA landscape alone—let us guide you through your options.
Contact us today at 1-800-797-0327 or visit our website to connect with a local North Carolina health insurance agent. Our service is free, and we'll help you choose the right plan for you and your family.
Does it cost extra to use a health insurance agent?
No. Health insurance agents are paid by insurance companies through commissions, not by you. The premium you pay is the same whether you enroll directly through Healthcare.gov or with an agent's help. You get expert guidance at no additional cost.
Can I still get subsidies if I enroll through an agent?
Yes. If you qualify for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions, you can receive them when enrolling through an agent—as long as the agent enrolls you through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Your savings are the same as if you enrolled on your own.
When is Open Enrollment for 2026 coverage?
Open Enrollment runs from November 1, 2025, through January 15, 2026. To have coverage start January 1, 2026, you must enroll by December 15, 2025. If you enroll between December 16 and January 15, your coverage will begin on February 1, 2026. Note: Starting in fall 2026, Open Enrollment will end on December 15 instead of January 15.
What if I miss Open Enrollment?
Outside of Open Enrollment, you can only enroll in a Marketplace plan if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Qualifying life events include losing other coverage, getting married, having a baby, or moving to a new state. An agent can help you determine if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Are premium tax credits changing for 2026?
Yes. The enhanced premium tax credits, in place since 2021, were scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. Unless Congress extends them, many people will pay significantly higher premiums in 2026. People with incomes above 400% of the federal poverty level may lose eligibility for subsidies entirely. An agent can help you understand how these changes affect your specific situation.
What's the difference between an agent and a navigator?
Both agents and navigators can help you enroll in Marketplace coverage. Navigators are federally funded and provide enrollment assistance, but they cannot make specific plan recommendations. Licensed insurance agents can recommend plans based on your needs and are trained to provide personalized guidance. Both services are free to consumers.