5 Things You Need To Know About ACA Healthcare Changes Before Open Enrollment | Mark and Fernando Leopold - 09

Open enrollment is here, and healthcare is going through some big changes right now. It can be confusing to figure out which insurance plan is right for you or whether your medications are still covered by your doctor.  To help guide you through this season, I invited Fernando Leopold, CEO of Family Care Insurance, to break down the 2026 healthcare changes and share five key things you need to know before choosing your new coverage.Meet Fernando Leopold·  Fernando Leopold is an experienced insurance agent and CEO of Family Care Insurance with over twelve years in health insurance and marketplace plans. ·  He’s helped thousands of people navigate healthcare coverage and stay up to date with changing regulations. ·  Fernando is passionate about guiding families to the best plans for their needs and budget.Open Enrollment Deadlines and Why Early Action Matters (00:01:18 – 00:04:09)·  Open enrollment for 2026 runs from November 1 to December 15. I can’t stress enough how important it is to act early. ·  Fernando shares stories of people who waited too long and missed out when companies suddenly closed. ·  Website traffic also peaks near the deadline, which can make signing up stressful, so don’t wait until the last minute.Premium Increases and Subsidy Clarification (00:04:09 – 00:07:05)·  This year, premiums are going up a little, mainly because some COVID-era subsidies have ended. For many people, that might mean an increase of $0 to $30 per month.·  Even with that change, coverage is still much more affordable than paying out-of-pocket for emergencies. There are still plenty of options depending on your family size, income, and needs.Income Reporting and Tax Filing: Bigger Stakes Than Ever (00:07:05 – 00:14:19)·  One thing you really want to do is review your income estimate carefully with your agent.·  If you under-report, you could end up with a surprise bill from the IRS for extra subsidies.·  The IRS and Marketplace now cross-check tax filings, so if you’ve missed filing for past years, it could affect your future subsidy eligibility.Don’t Rely on Auto-Renewal and the Importance of Annual Review (00:14:19 – 00:18:05)·  Just letting your plan auto-renew can leave you with outdated benefits or make you miss better coverage or pricing options. ·  In-year plan changes are more limited now, so it’s smart to review your options every year.Marketplace Changes: Carrier Exits, New Options, and Flexible Mindsets (00:18:05 – 00:23:06)·  Insurance companies come and go, and plan prices can shift a lot from year to year.·  Fernando reminds us not to get too attached to one doctor or plan. Make sure your coverage fits your current needs, and use a trusted agent to guide you.Final Tips and How to Get Help (00:23:06 – 00:25:34)·  Connect with licensed agents like Fernando Leopold and his team. They work in multiple states and can help you navigate these changes to find the best plan for you and your family. ·  Don’t wait! Review your options early and make sure your coverage works for you.“Plan prices have gone up this year, but there are still options depending on your area and insurance. Focus on what’s best for you, not the insurance company, doctor, or hospital.” - Fernando Leopold.