Katy ACA Deadline: Enroll by December 15 for January 1 Coverage
Published October 4, 2026 · By Joseph Stevens
The two dates that matter
- December 15 — last day to pick a plan that starts January 1
- January 15 — final Open Enrollment deadline; coverage starts February 1
- After January 15 — you need a qualifying life event (job loss, marriage, baby, move) to enroll
What to have ready before you shop
- A careful estimate of next year's household income — this sets your subsidy
- Birth dates for everyone in your tax household
- Your doctors, specialists and preferred hospitals
- A list of current prescriptions
Mistakes Katy shoppers make every year
- Letting a plan auto-renew without checking the new price or network
- Guessing income too low — the difference is reconciled at tax time
- Shopping by premium alone and discovering a doctor is out of network in January
- Searching 'Houston' plans instead of using your exact Katy, Fulshear, Cypress, Richmond or Brookshire ZIP
How we help
We're headquartered in Katy and compare every carrier available in your exact ZIP. We check your doctors and prescriptions, get your income estimate right, and help you enroll before the deadline — at no cost to you.
FAQs
What happens if I enroll between December 16 and January 15?
Your coverage typically starts February 1 instead of January 1, leaving a gap in January. If you want seamless coverage, enroll by December 15.
Do I have to re-enroll if I already have a plan?
You'll usually be auto-renewed, but your premium, subsidy and network can all change. Reviewing before December 15 avoids January surprises.
Does an agent's help cost anything?
No. Plan prices are identical whether you enroll yourself or with a licensed agent — agents are paid by the carriers.
Need help applying this to your situation?
Free, no-pressure call with a licensed Texas agent.