5 things small business owners should know about open enrollment

Open enrollment is the annual period when entrepreneurs and small business employees can make changes to their healthcare plans and renew individual coverage through healthcare.gov or their state’s marketplace. Open enrollment began on November 1 and ends on January 15 in most states. In order to help you navigate the many recent changes to the marketplace and healthcare policy, we have compiled a list of five things small business owners should know about this year’s open enrollment period. 

Apply early and know your deadline

Applying early and before the deadline helps ensure you maintain uninterrupted healthcare coverage. While open enrollment for the individual marketplace ends on January 15 in most states, deadlines may vary. It’s important to check your state’s specific deadline to make sure you file on time. Additionally, if you want coverage to begin January 1, you must enroll by December 15, 2025.

Know what health insurance plans are offered

The individual marketplace allows small business owners, solo entrepreneurs and employees who don’t have access to a group plan to purchase coverage for themselves or their families. It’s important to understand the different healthcare plans available to you. Reviewing the full range of options and comparing benefits can help you select coverage that fits your needs.

Understand new healthcare policy changes

This year, Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which included significant healthcare cuts and failed to renew the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs). The EPTCs make healthcare more affordable for more than 90% of ACA enrollees and millions of small business owners rely on them to lower their monthly premiums. If Congress does not act to extend the enhanced tax credit before the end of the year, your insurance premiums may rise by 25-100%. But it’s important to note that many enrollees will still be eligible for some financial assistance for marketplace coverage, though these tax credits won’t be as robust as they have been over the past few years unless Congress acts before December 31. Use this premium calculator to prepare and estimate how much your costs may increase. 

Know your eligibility status

To be eligible to enroll through the marketplace, you must live in the United States, be a U.S. citizen or national, or be a lawfully present non-citizen, and not be incarcerated. Understanding your eligibility status will help ensure you can secure coverage. This year, several states updated the immigration requirements for qualifying for marketplace coverage. Learn more about these changes and whether you qualify.

Know you don't have to do it alone

Applying for healthcare coverage can be challenging as a small business owner, but you don’t have to do it alone. Explore our healthcare blogs, on-demand webinar and other resources to stay up to date on the latest information. Additionally, use the Healthcare.gov Marketplace Guide for more helpful tips.