HEALTHCARE OPEN ENROLLMENT: How to Sign Up or Re-Enroll For 2026
- Karina Kaiwi
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
A SMASH how-to guide with links, resources, step-by-step guides, and a glossary of healthcare terms!
TL;DR: SMASH doesn't provide health insurance, but we’ve put together some info on how to enroll for health insurance this year below. Confused? Reach out to us at memberservices@smashseattle.org and we can help.
It’s Fall, so you know what that means… It’s time for Washington’s Open Enrollment season! This year healthcare enrollment is running from November 1, 2025 - January 15, 2026, but with three big important changes:
Your health insurance plan will not auto-renew, so you will need to re-enroll.
You need to enroll or re-enroll by December 15 in order to have your coverage start by January 1, 2026.
If you enroll or re-enroll in a plan after December 15, your coverage will start on February 1, 2026.
Deadlines and enrollment might feel tight and scary this year, but we’ve gone ahead and rounded up some “before you enroll” tips, and a list of local, state, and national resources to help make enrollment accessible to you.
BEFORE YOU ENROLL
Gather all your docs.
A good starting checklist:
Most recent (2024 or 2025) tax return
Last 3-6 months of pay stubs and/or 3 month profit/loss statement
Social Security numbers and birthdays for everyone in your household who is planning to enroll
For gig and business income, use your most recent tax return unless your income has changed significantly in the past 3 months, or you expect it to change soon.
We know gig work can fluctuate, but the Exchange needs to know it too. Don’t put off updating your income! If your income ends up higher than reported, you could have to pay back some (or all!) of your tax credits at tax time.
Apply as early as possible!
Systems get busy near deadlines! Starting early helps you avoid the stress and ensures your coverage starts on time.
Use a navigator if you can.
It’s totally free to get one-on-one help from trained experts through most local resources (listed below!) in WA. They’ll do their best to make sure you’re getting every credit, discount, and coverage option available.
Now that you’ve got the basics down, here are some resources to get you going!
APPLE HEALTH (MEDICAID) ENROLLMENT
SMASH has a community assister on its team to help you get set-up and enrolled in Apple Health (Medicaid) through Navigation support.
You may qualify for Apple Health if you:
Are 19–64 years old
Have annual household income at or below Medicaid standard (see chart below)
Meet U.S. citizenship or Medicaid immigration requirements
Are not entitled to Medicare
Household size and income are determined by your tax filing status and dependents.
Do you think you qualify, and are ready to get enrolled?
Make sure you have the following docs handy:
Household monthly income (bring everyone’s income if you’re unsure!)
For those who work gigs and mostly file I9’s: Most recent tax return (2024 or 2025), or 3-month profit/loss statement if your income has significantly changed recently
Social Security numbers and dates of birth for everyone in your household
Immigration information, if applicable
Click here to get started on an application through WA HealthExchange.
Reach out to SMASH at memberservices@smashseattle.org if you’re stuck or need help!
MORE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
STATEWIDE RESOURCES
Statewide tool to help shop available plans, taking into account your gross income and potential eligibility for tax credits
.
WA Enrollment Centers (By County)
List of statewide enrollment centers with contact information to connect with free navigators and brokers to discuss individually purchased plan options.
LOCAL PUGET SOUND RESOURCES
Free Broker & Navigator Groups (By City)
King County Health Navigators - The Public Outreach & Access team has a huge team of community navigators and ongoing enrollment events to help you explore your options, and get enrolled.
NATIONAL RESOURCES
General performing artist support, offers counseling and navigation support for insurance enrollment.
Enrollment tailored to musicians, offers counseling and navigation support for insurance enrollment.
National tool to help quickly compare your available health insurance plan options by state.
GLOSSARY OF HEALTHCARE / HEALTH-INSURANCE TERMS:
We know some of this terminology can be confusing, so here’s a glossary to help you navigate the resources in this article.
Premium: The amount you pay every month to keep your health insurance active.
Deductible: How much you pay out-of-pocket each year before your plan starts covering more of your costs.
Copay: A fixed amount you pay (like $20) for a doctor visit, medication, or service.
Coinsurance: The amount you pay after you have met your deductible. Most insurance plans rely on an 80/20 (80% of service costs after deductible is covered by insurance, you cover the remaining 20%).
Federal Premium Tax Credits (“Tax Credits”): A discount on your monthly premium based on your income. You can apply these credits up front (to lower your monthly payments immediately), or later when you file your taxes; whichever fits your financial rhythm best. (Just make sure you report any big changes to your income when they happen!)
State Premium Assistance (“Cascade Care Savings”): State assistance programs that help lower the cost of your monthly premium based on your income. In WA state, we refer to these as “Cascade Care Savings” plans. Oftentimes these plans are higher quality plans at a lower cost.
Cost-Sharing Reductions: Extra savings that lower what you pay for deductibles and copays. These are available for certain income levels when you choose a Silver plan through the exchange.
“Marketplace” or “Individually Purchased” Plan: Any plan you shop for through WA Healthplanfinder, and not through an employer.
“Apple Health”: State-administered and sponsored health insurance (Medicaid). In WA you can pick from up to 5 different managed care providers - Molina, Wellpoint, Community Health Plan of WA, United Healthcare, Coordinated Care.
Navigator: A free helper trained to guide you through your application, compare plan options, and make sure you’re not missing out on savings or benefits.
Don’t let the stress of insurance season keep you from getting health coverage this year. SMASH is here to help!
