| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: November 2, 2026 Contact: Ethan Holmes [email protected] |
| November 2, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HELENA, Mont. — State Auditor James Brown reminds Montanans who receive or want to apply for health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace to utilize the open enrollment period from November 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027. The open enrollment period allows people to apply for, renew, or change health plans through the ACA Marketplace for the coming year. Coverage can begin as soon as January 1, 2027, if one enrolls in or change plans by December 15, 2026. The last day to enroll in or change plans for the year is January 15, 2027. After that date, consumers may only enroll in or change Marketplace plans if they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Coverage starts on February 1, 2027, for those who enroll in or change plans from December 16, 2026, to January 15, 2027, and pay their first premium. For more information on the ACA Marketplace or to utilize the open enrollment period, visit healthcare.gov. Auditor Brown also advises Montanans to carefully review any health insurance coverage offered outside of the ACA Marketplace. The agency has identified plans that claim they are “self-funded” and refer to consumers as “limited partners” or “employees” in order to avoid Montana consumer-protection regulations. These plans may not be compliant with the ACA and do not provide comprehensive medical coverage, although they may be marketed otherwise. This leaves consumers with the possibility of being responsible for unpaid medical bills. Individual health plans that comply with the ACA are available through a licensed insurance agent or www.healthcare.gov. “If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. If a health insurance policy offers unusually low premiums and low deductibles yet promises full or unlimited coverage, be skeptical,” Auditor Brown said. Montana consumers can contact the Insurance Consumer Service (ICS) Bureau at the Auditor’s Office before enrolling in a plan if they have any questions or concerns. ICS can be reached at 800-332-6148 or 406-444-2524. ### 840 Helena Avenue, Helena, Montana 59601 (main fax) 406.444.3413 I (securities fax) 406.444.5558 (insurance consumer services fax) 406.444.1980 I (legal fax) 406.444.3499 (phone) 800.332.6148 or 406.444.2040 I (email) [email protected] I (web) www.csimt.gov |
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