Individual Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment

Learn about the Individual Health Insurance Marketplace, including which Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist providers are in their network, how to enroll and frequently asked questions.

Open Enrollment for the Individual Health Insurance Marketplace is the chance for you and your family to get a new health insurance plan. Before you enroll, it’s important to compare plans and consider if your Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist doctor is covered in your plan.

Prepare for the Changes Coming This Year

Open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace runs November 1, to January 15, 2026. To ensure you have coverage starting January 1, 2026, you will need to enroll no later than December 15, 2025. We’re here to help make sure you’re prepared for the changes coming this year.

Here are a few things to have completed before enrollment begins to help make the process easier:

Gather your papers. Pay stubs and tax returns make it easier to confirm eligibility and keep any tax credits.
Double-check your eligibility by December 15, for January 1, coverage. Even if you like your current coverage, you’ll still need to confirm so nothing changes on you unexpectedly.
Keep in mind that premiums might go up if tax credits (subsidies) aren’t renewed. Additionally, consider all alternative coverage options so your plan balances out-of-pocket care costs with monthly premiums.
Look over your 2026 plan choices. Pick one that works for you and make sure it includes your Wake Forest Baptist doctors.

Key Dates

Open Enrollment Begins:

November 1

Open Enrollment Ends:

January 15

Coverage Begins:

January 1
If enrolled by December 15

February 1
If enrolled by January 15

Application Checklist

Use this list to gather information you’ll need and find steps you may need to take to enroll in a health care insurance plan.
Get checklist

Healthcare.gov

Review your insurance options, find out if you’re eligible for tax credits to help pay for your coverage and then enroll in an insurance plan.
Get started

Enrollment Assisters

Call us at 336-713-9360 to get more information about how to enroll or to schedule an appointment with one of our Enrollment Assisters.

Plans that Include Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist

For 2026, the following plans sold on the Individual Health Insurance Marketplace include Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist doctors and hospitals in their networks:

Ambetter of North Carolina (with Atrium Health)
AmeriHealth Caritas Next
Blue Local (with Atrium Health)
NEW: Oscar Health
UnitedHealthcare

Now Introducing Oscar Health
Now available in the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist region.

Learn More

If you have a medical emergency, you should go to the closest emergency department. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist hospitals provide services to all patients seeking treatment for an emergency medical condition, regardless of their health insurance plan or ability to pay for emergency services.

What is Health Care Coverage Through the Marketplace (also called the Individual Insurance Marketplace)?

The Marketplace is part of the Affordable Care Act and offers health insurance for people who don’t have coverage through an employer, Medicare or Medicaid. It’s an online resource where you can shop for, compare and enroll in or update a health insurance plan. You can also see if you’re eligible for savings.

Why Choose a Plan that Includes Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist?

When you choose a health insurance plan with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist you get:

Award-winning specialty care, including Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children’s Hospital, Atrium Health Levine Cancer, Heart & Vascular center, Orthopaedics and more.
Access to the region's largest primary care network, more virtual options for on-demand care including urgent care and online video visits and the region’s only Level I trauma center.

How to Enroll or Change Plans

For more information or to change your plan, you can:

Visit Healthcare.gov
Talk with your health insurance agent

Frequently Asked Questions

What is open enrollment for the Individual Health Insurance Marketplace?

“Open Enrollment” is a federally mandated time when you can enroll in or make changes to a health plan.

Why do I need to change or review my plan?

Changes are often made to plans available on the health insurance marketplace. These changes may affect which providers, hospitals and other health services are included in a plan’s network, as well as the costs you will be responsible for paying.

What is a network?

A “network” is a group of doctors and hospitals that participates in a health insurance plan. Usually, your out-of-pocket costs are lower if you seek care from doctors and hospitals that belong to your health insurance plan’s network.

Can I keep my doctors?

Most health insurance plans have networks of doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and other healthcare providers. Depending on the type of health coverage you choose, your care may only be covered if you go to an in-network provider. If staying with your current doctors is important to you, be sure to check if they’re included before deciding.

Why do I need health insurance?

Health insurance helps you pay for your care. It’s impossible to predict what your medical bills will be each year. Having coverage gives you the peace of mind that you are protected from very high medical expenses.

Studies show that people with health insurance are much more likely than those without it to use preventive health services and necessary prescription drugs. They are also less likely to incur medical debts.

What are out-of-pocket costs?

Out-of-pocket costs are your total expenses for medical care that are not paid by your health insurance plan.

How can I get more information?

Whether you’re applying for the first time or already have an individual health insurance plan that you need to update, you can visit Healthcare.gov for a full listing of plans by state and a checklist of documents you need. You can also talk with your local health insurance agent.

NOTE: Not all plans are available in every county. Please check with the individual plan to confirm benefits and in-network providers.
This website does not solicit or otherwise advertise insurance but is intended for your educational purposes only. Wake Health is not a licensed health insurance agency.

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