At a time when the Recent changes These events will drastically impact enrollment in the health insurance market; two free events will be held. in Charlotte with navigators, on November 15 and December 13.
The Charlotte Legal Defense Center's (CCLA) health coverage navigators will be enrolling and sharing important updates about the 2026 Open Enrollment period for the Health Insurance Market, which will extend from the 1 from November 2025 to January 15, 2026.
Due to changes taking effect in 2026, year-round enrollment for low-income individuals has ended, fewer tax credits for premiums will increase monthly costs, and maximum out-of-pocket expenses will be higher.
Registration event information
As they have done in previous years, CCLA health coverage navigators will help eligible people in Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, and Union counties enroll in or update their Marketplace coverage for free.
The navigators will hold two open registration events at the Defense Center headquarters located at 5535 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, NC 28212, on Saturdays: November 15 and December 13, from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm.
Those interested in registering for one of the registration events or for an individual registration session are encouraged to make an appointment using the state appointment hotline at: 1-855-733-3711, locally at: 980-256-3782 or online at: charlottelegaladvocacy.org
Related: How Health Navigators Facilitate Medicaid Enrollment for the Latino Community
What are the most important changes
The most important changes that will be implemented in 2026 for people who enroll in the Health Insurance Market are:
- The maximum amount paid for out-of-pocket covered services in an individual Marketplace plan has increased to $10,600 for 2026. Family plan maximums will be higher.
- New fees will apply to the automatic renewal of some plans. Members are advised to review their coverage and reapply, even if it's for the same plan.
- Applicants may no longer be eligible for the same premium tax credits for which they qualified.
- Failure to update income information could result in incorrect advance payments of the premium tax credit, which may result in a forced refund of the excess amount.
- Previous payment limits have been eliminated, creating large penalties for incorrectly estimating income.
- HealthCare.gov is no longer an option for DACA recipients
- Legally present immigrants earning less than 100% of the federal poverty level can enroll, but are not eligible for premium tax credits.
- A special enrollment period that allowed people with incomes below a certain threshold to enroll year-round will end. They will now have to enroll during the Open Enrollment period unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
Winter season >>> Experts anticipate a severe respiratory virus season and recommend getting vaccinated before winter 2025.
Recommendations from the Defense Center
Natalie Marles, North Carolina Benefits Navigators Program Manager for the Advocacy Center, offered three specific recommendations for members this year:
1. Follow the application process to learn about your options because there are many changes and new penalties.
2. Don't ignore Marketplace communications! They will contact you by mail or email. They will not call you.
3. Applicants should always review their information carefully before submitting it if they receive assistance with their application. For guidance, it is recommended to contact the Marketplace directly or consult with a Benefits Navigator.
The Defense Center is part of the North Carolina Navigator Consortium, the only federally funded navigation entity in the state serving all 100 counties of North Carolina.
The navigators are federally certified and extensively trained on the insurance plan options offered by the Marketplace. Additional assistance is provided to consumers who are disabled, do not speak English, or are unfamiliar with health insurance.
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A year ago, Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina. The Latino community responded with something stronger than the storm: solidarity.
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