Katy ACA Open Enrollment: Final Call Before the January 15 Deadline
Published December 1, 2026 · By Joseph Stevens
Where things stand in the final weeks
- Enrolled by December 15 — your coverage starts January 1
- Enrolling now through January 15 — coverage starts February 1
- After January 15 — Special Enrollment only, with a qualifying life event
If you auto-renewed, read this
Auto-renewal keeps you covered, but it doesn't keep your price. Premiums, subsidies and networks all reset January 1. If your renewal notice showed a big increase, you can still switch plans until January 15 — it's not too late.
Income estimate check
Your subsidy is based on your estimated household income for the coverage year. If your income changed this year — a new job, a business that grew, a spouse who stopped working — updating the estimate now can meaningfully change what you pay.
What if you miss January 15?
You'd need a qualifying life event to enroll: losing job-based coverage, getting married or divorced, having a baby, or moving to a new ZIP code. Otherwise the next window is next fall's Open Enrollment.
FAQs
Is January 15 really the last day?
Yes — it's the final day of Open Enrollment. Coverage from a January enrollment starts February 1. After that, only a qualifying life event opens a Special Enrollment Period.
Can I switch plans even though I already renewed?
Yes. Until January 15 you can change your plan for the new year, even if you were auto-renewed into your current one.
Does using an agent cost extra?
No. Plan prices are identical whether you enroll yourself or with a licensed agent — agents are paid by the carriers, not by you.
Need help applying this to your situation?
Free, no-pressure call with a licensed Texas agent.