Healthcare overhaul: 3 key changes to health insurance and what you need to know
With the recent passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, major reforms are on the way that could change how you access health insurance and pay for medical care.
While many of these changes won’t take effect immediately, now is the time to understand how your coverage may be affected, what financial help might be available to you, and how to make smart choices for yourself and your family. Acting now could help you save money and avoid disruptions in care.
Here are three key changes to be aware of — and how you can prepare.
1. Medicaid eligibility is changing, and you may be affected
If you're currently enrolled in Medicaid, new rules could affect your eligibility. Millions of people are expected to lose Medicaid coverage in the months ahead. In some states, enrollment could drop by as much as 20%.
The good news: If you no longer qualify for Medicaid, you may still be eligible for financial assistance when purchasing a plan through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If your income is up to 400% of the federal poverty level — about $60,000 per year for an individual — you could receive subsidies that significantly lower your monthly premiums. If you're on the lower end of that income range, and you qualify, you might even find a plan with no monthly premium at all.
Tip: Use a health insurance marketplace or your state’s exchange to check your eligibility and find a plan that fits your needs. To review options and see if you may qualify for government subsidies, visit eHealth’s online marketplace to see plans in your area or speak with a licensed insurance agent at 1-855-532-0220, TTY 711.
2. Open enrollment deadlines are changing, and subsidies may be reduced
If you buy your own health insurance, you’ll need to act earlier than in past years. The nationwide open enrollment period is being shortened. Instead of running through mid-January, it will now end on December 15 in most states. That gives you less time to compare plans and enroll for 2026, so it’s important to prepare early.
Additionally, the enhanced ACA subsidies that have helped lower premiums in recent years are set to expire. This means your financial assistance may be reduced, and you could end up paying more out of pocket. If you receive more in subsidies than your actual income qualifies you for, you’ll be required to repay the excess when you file your taxes.
What to do: Review your income estimate carefully when applying, and make sure to finalize your coverage before December 15.
3. Health Savings Accounts will be easier to access
The new law also expands who can use a Health Savings Account (HSA). These accounts let you set aside money before taxes to pay for medical expenses such as deductibles, prescriptions, vision and dental care and more.
In the past, only people with qualifying high-deductible health plans could open and contribute to an HSA. Under the new rules, all Bronze and Catastrophic plans available through the ACA marketplace will be HSA-eligible. This change may give you more flexibility and more ways to save on healthcare costs — especially if you're healthy and want to prepare for future expenses.
Reminder: Money in your HSA rolls over year to year and stays with you, even if you change plans or jobs.
Final Thoughts
Health insurance is changing, and staying informed is the best way to protect your health and your wallet. Whether you're navigating Medicaid changes, adjusting to a shorter enrollment period, or considering an HSA for the first time, now is the time to take control of your coverage.
At eHealth, we're here to help you understand your options, compare plans, and make confident decisions that work for you and your family.