PHOTO: Courtesy of WLUK
MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Open enrollment for health care in Wisconsin ends Dec. 15.
Those who apply after that day would see their benefits begin in February — leaving a gap in coverage during the month of January.
With uncertainty around the expiration of health care subsidies from the federal government, local leaders say it’s important to begin your search now.
“We will be seeing increased costs for some people,” said Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Nathan Houdek. “And that’s why it’s really important for people to shop around, look at what coverage options are available for you. Plan options have changed, some of the costs have changed, but there are still a lot of affordable healthcare coverage options for people.”
In October, the state Office of the Insurance Commissioner released examples of potential rate increases.
A family of four in Brown County making $130,000 a year would see a monthly increase of $1,115 — going from $887 in 2025 to $2,002 in 2026. That marks an annual increase of $13,380.
This is only an estimate — and will be different for every family.
“It’s hard to know, and that’s why it’s important,” Houdek explained. “Every situation is different based on your family size, based on your income, based on where you live. And that’s why it’s really important for people to visit healthcare.gov during this open enrollment period and look at what options are available.”
A 26-year-old in Brown County making $48,000 a year, who is no longer eligible to be on their parent’s insurance, would see a monthly increase of $140 — or an annual increase of $1,684.
First Five Fox Valley, a nonprofit based around supporting families with children under the age of five, said the lack of subsidies means a lack of affordability.
“There’s a lot of concern about families about their affordability of healthcare,” Executive Director Barb Tengesdal said. “Being able to have adequate coverage for their young children and themselves. And the ability to actually get the regular medicines that they need for their children and for themselves.”
If your health care coverage ends at the end of the year, make sure to apply for coverage before Dec. 15.
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