Just an Important Reminder!!!

Here at Straight Talk, I like to remember and reiterate important deadlines.

Jan. 15, 2026, is a big one. Big.

Why? Jan. 15 is the LAST DAY of open enrollment on HealthCare.gov. So, if you are not yet enrolled in coverage for 2026, I recommend taking the following steps fast:

1. Check to see if you, your spouse or your children are Medicaid eligible. You can apply at ldh.la.gov/get-covered.
2. Check to see if you are Medicare eligible. If you are about to turn 65, you probably started receiving correspondence from Medicare about three months before your birthday. If you’re already 65 or older or you have certain health conditions, you may qualify now. You can check your eligibility or sign up on the Medicare website.
3. Check with your HR department at work and see if your employer offers coverage for yourself, spouse or dependents. They can also tell you when THEIR open enrollment period is, so you can see your immediate eligibility.
4. Check with HealthCare.gov or reach out to an agent at 1-844-GetBlue (1-844-438-2583) to see what your coverage options are and if you qualify for financial assistance to purchase a plan. You don’t pay anything to work with an agent, and there’s no obligation to enroll in a plan if you speak with one. Be advised that coverage you sign up for now will not begin until Feb. 1 because the enrollment deadline for Jan. 1 coverage already passed. If you miss the Jan. 15 deadline and don’t enroll in a 2026 health plan, it becomes MUCH harder to get covered the rest of the year.

With recent media coverage of the expiring enhanced tax credits on HealthCare.gov, you may think that all financial assistance is gone for everyone.  THIS IS NOT CORRECT!!!

The tax credits for those with incomes above 400% of the Federal Poverty Level expired on Dec. 31. But financial assistance is still available for people with incomes at/below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. That means if you are a single tax-filer who expects to make less than $62,600 during 2026, financial assistance is still there for you. For families filing together, the threshold for four people to qualify for financial assistance is now $128,600 for 2026. If you make less than that, tax credits to help you pay your premiums are probably still there. I recently wrote about the financial assistance still available on HealthCare.gov — check that out for more details.

This is the Straight Talk. One of these options could work for you, and you could avoid you and your family (and by extension your financial future) being put at risk during 2026. You don’t want to go uncovered and paying all your healthcare expenses out of pocket — that could be financially devastating. Don’t hesitate; time is short. Look into your 2026 coverage options today!