Question 1

What is Public Law 119-21 and how does it affect me?

Accepted Answer

It's the budget reconciliation law signed on July 4, 2025. It changes several rules for the Health Marketplace (Obamacare) and for Medicare, and its effects phase in between 2026 and 2028. Four changes affect families most: the enrollment calendar ended up in litigation, the enhanced subsidies ended, you now have to repay the full subsidy if your income goes up, and the immigration requirements change. I explain each one below. Every situation is different — write to me and we'll go through yours specifically, at no cost.

Question 2

Is it true the enrollment deadline changed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it's worth understanding properly because these are two different dates, not one. Open enrollment runs from November 1 to January 15. December 15 is the cutoff for your coverage to start on January 1; if you enroll between December 16 and January 15, coverage doesn't begin until February 1 and you spend January uninsured. There was a federal rule that would have closed everything on December 15, but a judge struck it down in June 2026 and the government appealed, so the calendar could still move. My advice doesn't change with the lawsuit: enroll in November and you're covered from January 1 no matter what.

Question 3

Why did my premium go up so much this year?

Accepted Answer

Because the enhanced subsidies that had been in place since 2021 expired on December 31, 2025 and Congress did not renew them. Those extra subsidies were what let many families pay $0 or very little. With them gone: the so-called "400% cliff" is back (if you earn above 400% of the federal poverty level, you no longer qualify for any subsidy), and the share of your income you're expected to pay went up. Nationally, premiums rose considerably. This does not mean you no longer qualify for help — a great many families still do, the amounts simply changed. It's worth recalculating your case before assuming anything.

Question 4

I estimated my income wrong — what happens now at tax time?

Accepted Answer

This is an important change. There used to be a cap on what could be clawed back if you had received more subsidy than you were entitled to. Starting with tax year 2026 that cap is gone: if your actual income ends up higher than what you estimated, you'll have to repay the full excess, with no limit. That makes estimating your income well — and reporting changes during the year — more important than ever. If your job or your income changes, write to me and we'll update it. It's free and it can save you a shock in April.

Question 5

I have TPS, asylum or refugee status. Does this law affect me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it's important to look into it early. The law restricts who can receive help:In the Health Marketplace (Obamacare): for tax years beginning after December 31, 2026, the tax credit is limited to lawful permanent residents, migrants under the Compacts of Free Association, and Cuban/Haitian entrants. Those with TPS, asylum or refugee status would no longer qualify for the subsidy.In Medicare: eligibility is restricted to those same groups, and people already enrolled who don't meet those requirements would lose coverage within 18 months of the law.Some of these provisions have been challenged in court, so the situation may change. Don't make decisions based on this page alone: write to me, we'll review your specific case and see what options you have. In complete confidence and without judgment.

Question 6

Will I have to re-verify my information every year?

Accepted Answer

Yes, starting with 2028 coverage. The law requires that, before your coverage begins, your income, family size, immigration status, residency and whether you have other coverage available all be verified — even if nothing has changed since the previous year. Automatic renewal also ends: you'll be able to enroll, but you won't receive the tax credit until verification is complete. In practice it means being far more organized with documents and not leaving enrollment until the last day. I'll remind you and walk you through that process every year.

Question 7

What is Obamacare and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Obamacare is the popular name for the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It isn't insurance in itself — it's a law that gives you access to a government tax credit so you pay less for a private health plan. Depending on your income, the government may pay part or all of your monthly premium. Plans cover hospitalization, emergencies, prescriptions, mental health, maternity and much more.

Question 8

When is open enrollment and what if I miss it?

Accepted Answer

Open Enrollment runs from November 1 to January 15. Watch the two dates: if you enroll by December 15 your coverage starts January 1; if you do it between December 16 and January 15, it starts February 1. That calendar is in litigation: a federal rule would have closed it on December 15 for everyone, a judge struck it down in June 2026 and the government appealed. If you miss it, you can still enroll if you have a qualifying life event such as: losing your insurance through work, marrying, divorcing, having a baby, moving to another state or losing your job. This is called a Special Enrollment Period. Contact me — I can help you determine whether you qualify to enroll outside the season.

Question 9

How much does health insurance cost? Can you still pay $0 a month?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your income, how many people are in your household and the state where you live. With the enhanced subsidies expired since January 1, 2026, $0 a month is no longer as common as it was: it still exists, but mostly at the lower end of the qualifying income range. What hasn't changed is that most people receive help. In Georgia, 89% of enrollees get a subsidy averaging $688 a month. In Florida, over 95% receive help and a third end up paying less than $10 a month. So it doesn't pay to assume a price either way — yours has to be calculated. Take the quiz on this page or message me and we'll look at it together.

Question 10

Do I need documents or a Social Security number to apply?

Accepted Answer

For the Health Marketplace (Obamacare), yes, you need a Social Security number and lawful immigration status (citizenship, permanent residency, work visa, etc.). An ITIN is not valid for Obamacare. However, there are alternatives for people without documents, including private plans and state programs depending on your state. Call me and I'll explain what options you have for your specific situation — without judgment and in complete confidence.

Question 11

What does health insurance cover? Does it include dental and vision?

Accepted Answer

Every Health Marketplace plan covers the 10 essential benefits: doctor visits, hospitalization, emergencies, prescription drugs, mental health, maternity, pediatrics, preventive services (free), lab work and rehabilitation. Adult dental and vision are generally NOT included in basic plans — they're added as separate plans. For children, dental is included. I can help you add dental and vision coverage to your plan at a very low cost.

Question 12

Can I choose my own doctor and hospital?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the type of plan. HMO plans require you to choose a primary care physician (PCP) within their network and get referrals for specialists. PPO plans give you more flexibility to see out-of-network doctors (at a higher cost). EPO plans don't require referrals but do limit you to the network. When I help you choose a plan, I make sure to verify that your current or preferred doctors are in the network before you enroll.

Question 13

What about my pre-existing conditions?

Accepted Answer

Under the ACA (Obamacare), no insurer can deny you coverage or charge you more for having pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, asthma or other chronic illnesses. This applies to every Health Marketplace plan. It's one of the biggest benefits of Obamacare — whatever your medical history, you're entitled to the same coverage as anyone else.

Question 14

How long does it take to enroll in a health plan?

Accepted Answer

With my help, enrollment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You just need to have on hand: your personal information, Social Security number, approximate income information (you can use last year's salary) and, if applicable, information for your family members. We do it all on a call or over WhatsApp — you decide how you'd rather communicate.

Question 15

Why use an advisor instead of enrolling on my own at HealthCare.gov?

Accepted Answer

You can enroll on your own, but a certified agent like me can save you money and costly mistakes. I know every plan available in your area, I can compare options in seconds, and I know exactly which subsidies and tax credits you're entitled to. On top of that, my service is completely free to you — the insurers pay me a commission, not you. Many people who enroll alone pick a more expensive plan than they need or miss benefits they'd have been entitled to.

Question 16

Can I change plans if I'm not happy with my current insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can change plans during open enrollment (November 1 – January 15) or if you have a qualifying life event. I can also review your current plan and compare it with other available options. Many clients who come to me find they're paying more than they need to for less coverage. The review is free and with no obligation. Contact me today and we'll look together at whether you have the best plan for your needs.

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Everything you need to knowabout health insurance

What our clients say

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Everything you need to know
about health insurance