Your 2026 Open Enrollment guide

• Schedule a virtual visit with a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) expert
• Get face-to-face support at a Beyond Blue Neighborhood Center
• Reach out to your trusted authorized Blue Cross NC agent

Everyone under the age of 65 has the opportunity to purchase health insurance during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP). Whether you’re enrolling for the first time or exploring new plan options, Blue Cross NC is here to help you understand what’s available, what’s changing, and steps to take next.

Federal subsidies,¹ also called premium tax credits, may lower your monthly cost. The federal government offers two types of subsidies for those who qualify:

1. Advanced Premium Tax Credit (APTC) - Lowers monthly premiums
2. Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) - Lowers deductibles, copays, and coinsurance (available only on Silver plans)

You may qualify for both, significantly reducing your costs. More Information About Subsidies

Open Enrollment is your once-a-year window to take control of your health care coverage for the year ahead. During Open Enrollment, you’ll be able to:

• Sign up for a new health care plan
• Switch to a different plan that better meets your needs
• Update your information to ensure you get the right coverage and savings

If you miss this period, you may have to wait an entire year - unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period² due to a major life change (like losing other coverage, getting married, or having a baby).

• Gather basic personal information – You'll need the names, Social Security numbers, birthdates, and immigration status (if applicable) of each member of your household.
• Total your income – Your household income determines if you qualify for subsidies.
• Gather key documents - Pay stubs, tax returns, or W-2s will help you verify your income.
• Review current coverage - If you already have health insurance, determine if it meets your needs in light of what you anticipate for the coming year like prescriptions or planned procedures.
• Compare Marketplace plans - Compare plans based on premiums, deductibles, provider networks, and coverage options.
• Compare provider networks - See which of your preferred doctors, hospitals, and specialists are in-network with different plans. And see if your prescriptions are covered under each plan’s formulary (list of covered drugs).
• Blue Cross NC is here to help - Speak with an expert at the Beyond Blue Neighborhood Center nearest you.

• Estimate your potential subsidy – Since 2021, many people have received extra savings, called enhanced premium tax credits, from the federal government to offset the cost of their Marketplace health plans. But starting in 2026, those extra savings from the government are going away. You can estimate your 2026 subsidy with our Subsidy Calculator starting November 1.
• Report your income – To receive the correct subsidy amount and avoid potential fees, be sure to update your income information before you enroll.
• Avoid the $5 monthly fee – If you’re in a $0 premium plan and don’t update your information during OEP, a $5 monthly fee may apply.