Having health insurance is one of the most important steps families can take to protect their physical and financial health. With the rising costs of medical care, unexpected illnesses or injuries can quickly become a financial burden. 

For those who buy their own health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, recent government changes could impact their enrollment requirements and how much they pay each month. That’s why it’s important to stay informed and separate fact from fiction. 

Let’s bust three common myths about the upcoming government changes to Open Enrollment.

Myth #1: My health plan and my subsidy amount will renew automatically. I don’t need to do anything.

Fact: The enhanced subsidies – an extra amount of financial help the government added in 2021 – are set to expire at the end of 2025. Unless Congress renews these, most people will get less of this important financial help to lower their monthly insurance costs next year and their monthly insurance costs will go up. It’s a smart step for these individuals to have a health plan review to be sure they get as much subsidy as they can qualify for in 2026.  

Myth #2: The government changes to Open Enrollment won’t affect me.

Fact: The changes will affect anyone who buys health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace and gets a subsidy, regardless of which insurance company they choose. In Florida, that’s about 4.6 million people.  

Myth #3: I can renew my insurance on my own. I don’t need an agent’s help.

Fact: With the changes, even those who normally don’t work with an agent may need expert help this year. Florida Blue agents are specially trained to explain all the government changes and help find the best plan for a family’s needs. There’s never a charge to work with them.

A new educational webpage offers more details on what’s changing and how to prepare for Open Enrollment: FloridaBlue.com/StayCovered.

How to get help for no extra costBecause the enrollment and renewal processes may be different and will likely take longer than before, it will be important for Floridians to have a plan this year. Anyone can connect with a local licensed Florida Blue agent, visit a local Florida Blue Center in-person or through chat, or call Florida Blue at 1-800-876-2227 for personalized support and guidance. There is no charge or obligation to get this expert guidance.