If your Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace health insurance plan terminated on December 31, 2025, or you’re dissatisfied with your current coverage, you may still have time to enroll in a new plan. Certain qualifying circumstances allow you to access a special enrollment period that extends through February 28, 2026.
Why Some Plans Terminated at Year-End
Several factors caused some North Carolina residents to lose their marketplace coverage at the end of 2025. Carrier exits from the North Carolina marketplace left some enrollees without their previous plan option. Additionally, some plans were discontinued due to low enrollment or changing market conditions.
If your plan was discontinued, you likely received a termination notice and may qualify for a special enrollment period to select new coverage.
Special Enrollment Period: What You Need to Know
A special enrollment period (SEP) allows you to enroll in or change marketplace coverage outside the standard Open Enrollment Period. If you lost coverage due to plan termination, you typically have 60 days from your coverage end date to select a new plan.
For those whose coverage ended December 31, 2025, this means you have until approximately February 28, 2026, to enroll in new marketplace coverage.
Unhappy With Your Current Plan?
Even if your plan didn’t terminate, you may have options. Some qualifying life events trigger special enrollment periods that allow mid-year changes, including:
- Moving to a new zip code or county
- Getting married or having a baby
- Losing other health coverage (such as employer coverage)
- Changes in household income that affect subsidy eligibility
North Carolina Marketplace Options for 2026
Despite some carriers exiting the market, North Carolina residents still have access to multiple insurance carriers and plan options through the federal marketplace. Available plans vary by county, and premium subsidies may help reduce monthly costs for those who qualify based on household income.
Working with a licensed insurance agent can help you compare available plans in your area and determine whether you qualify for financial assistance.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
The February 28, 2026, deadline will arrive quickly. Enrolling early gives you time to carefully review your options, avoid gaps in coverage, and ensure your new plan is active when you need it.
Get No-Obligation Help from Broad River Insurance
The licensed insurance agents at Broad River Insurance can help you understand your special enrollment options, compare available marketplace plans, and find coverage that fits your healthcare needs and budget. Our team has helped Western North Carolina families navigate marketplace enrollment since 2005. Contact us at (828) 884-3885 (TTY: 711)
Broad River Insurance is an independent agency serving Brevard and Western North Carolina. We work with multiple carriers to help you find health insurance coverage that works for you.