Individual Health Insurance Marketplace
Open Enrollment for the Individual Health Insurance Marketplace is the chance for you and your family to get a new health insurance plan. Before you enroll, it’s important to compare plans and consider if your Atrium Health doctors are covered in your plan.
Choosing a health plan that includes our most trusted and preferred care means you can always give your family the best. Keep reading to learn which plans include Atrium Health, how to enroll and more.
Prepare for the changes coming this year
Open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace runs Nov. 1, to Jan. 15, 2026. To ensure you have coverage starting Jan. 1, 2026, you will need to enroll no later than Dec. 15, 2025. We’re here to help make sure you’re prepared for the changes coming this year.
Here are a few things to have completed before enrollment begins to help make the process easier:
- Gather your papers. Pay stubs and tax returns make it easier to confirm eligibility and keep any tax credits.
- Double-check your eligibility by Dec. 15, for Jan. 1, coverage. Even if you like your current coverage, you’ll still need to confirm so nothing changes on you unexpectedly.
- Keep in mind that premiums might go up if tax credits (subsidies) aren’t renewed. Additionally, consider all alternative coverage options so your plan balances out-of-pocket care costs with monthly premiums.
- Look over your 2026 plan choices. Pick one that works for you and make sure it includes your Atrium Health doctors.
Key dates:
Open enrollment begins
November 1
Open enrollment ends
January 15
Coverage begins
- January 1 if enrolled by December 15
- February 1 if enrolled by January 15
Application checklist
Use this list to gather information you’ll need and find steps you may need to take to enroll in a health care insurance plan.
Get checklist
Healthcare.gov
Review your insurance options, find out if you’re eligible for tax credits to help pay for your coverage and then enroll in an insurance plan.
Get startedEnrollment assistance
Call us to get more information about how to enroll or to schedule an appointment with one of our Enrollment Assisters.
336-713-9360
Which plans include Atrium Health?
For 2026, the following plans sold on the Individual Health Insurance Marketplace include Atrium Health doctors and hospitals in their networks:
North Carolina
- Ambetter of North Carolina (with Atrium Health)
- Blue Local (with Atrium Health)
- Blue Value (Columbus Regional Healthcare System ONLY)
- NEW: Oscar Health (with Atrium Health)
- UnitedHealthcare
South Carolina
- Ambetter
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina – BlueEssentials
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina – BlueVirtuConnect
- InStil Health
- UnitedHealthcare
Introducing Oscar Health
With Atrium Health — Available in the Charlotte, NC, metro area
Learn which health insurance plans are accepted by:
What is health care coverage through the Marketplace (also called the Individual Insurance Marketplace)?
The Marketplace is part of the Affordable Care Act and offers health insurance for people who don’t have coverage through an employer, Medicare or Medicaid. It’s an online resource where you can shop for, compare and enroll in or update a health insurance plan. You can also see if you’re eligible for savings.
Why choose a plan that includes Atrium Health?
If you already have an Atrium Health doctor or hospital you prefer, you may want to pick a health insurance plan that includes them. This lets you continue seeing them while better managing your health care costs. In addition to your doctor and hospital, you get seamless connection to Atrium Health’s vast care options. A few highlights include:
- Unmatched, world-class care from the region’s only nationally ranked health system which includes Levine Children's Hospital, Levine Cancer Institute, Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, Musculoskeletal Institute and more
- Primary care from the region’s largest network of providers, including family medicine, internal medicine and women’s health
- The region’s largest network of behavioral health and substance use services
- More virtual options and extended hours for convenient on-demand care, like urgent cares and video visits
How to enroll or change plans
For more information or to change your plan:
- Visit Healthcare.gov
- Talk with your health insurance agent
Frequently asked questions
“Open enrollment” is a federally mandated time when you can enroll in or make changes to a health plan.
Changes are often made to plans available on the health insurance marketplace. These changes may affect which providers, hospitals and other health services are included in a plan’s network, as well as the costs you will be responsible for paying.
A “network” is a group of doctors and hospitals that participates in a health insurance plan. Usually, your out-of-pocket costs are lower if you seek care from doctors and hospitals that belong to your health insurance plan’s network.
Most health insurance plans have networks of doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and other healthcare providers. Depending on the type of health coverage you choose, your care may only be covered if you go to an in-network provider. If staying with your current doctors is important to you, be sure to check if they’re included before deciding.
Health insurance helps you pay for your care. It’s impossible to predict what your medical bills will be each year. Having coverage gives you the peace of mind that you are protected from very high medical expenses.
Studies show that people with health insurance are much more likely than those without it to use preventive health services and necessary prescription drugs. They are also less likely to incur medical debts.
Out-of-pocket costs are your total expenses for medical care that are not paid by your health insurance plan.
Whether you’re applying for the first time or already have an individual health insurance plan that you need to update, you can visit Healthcare.gov for a full listing of plans by state and a checklist of documents you need.
You can also talk with your local health insurance agent.
Not all plans are available in every county. Please check with the individual plan to confirm benefits and in-network providers. This website does not solicit or otherwise advertise insurance but is intended for your educational purposes only. Atrium Health is not a licensed health insurance agency.