Oklahoma Insurance Department Warns Consumers on Pending Changes to Health Insurance

For Immediate Release:
October 2, 2025

Oklahoma Insurance Department Warns Consumers on Pending Changes to Health Insurance

 

OKLAHOMA CITY— Rising healthcare costs and recent policy decisions in Washington will have an impact on Oklahoma consumers when making health insurance decisions for 2026. The Health Insurance Marketplace is undergoing changes that will go into effect next plan year starting on Jan. 1, 2026. The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) is providing guidance to help you know key dates and understand your coverage options this open enrollment period.

Some of the most significant changes include:

  • Higher Premiums: Medical loss trends and rising healthcare costs will contribute to higher premiums.
  • Enhanced Subsidies Ending: The enhanced premium tax credits (eAPTCs) will expire at the end of 2025, resulting in average net premium increases of over 75% for some enrollees.
  • Stricter Eligibility & Verification: To combat fraud and improper enrollments, stricter income verification and other eligibility checks are being implemented.
  • Loss of Coverage for Some: The expiration of eAPTCs and stricter regulations will likely result in a significant decrease in enrollment. This anticipated consumer exodus in the marketplace is a big reason for higher premiums.

The enrollment dates for 2025 have not changed. Open enrollment begins Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 15, 2026. If you want coverage to start on Jan. 1, you must enroll before Dec. 15.

“The biggest advice we can give to Oklahomans is to look carefully at each plan option,” Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready said. “All consumers will now be required to pass eligibility criteria to enroll.”

Earlier this year, Mulready expressed concern about the expiring enhanced premium tax credits and urged Congress to take a softer approach to ending enhanced subsidies.

“The impact to Oklahoma hospital systems is yet to be realized, but we expect many more Oklahomans will be uninsured next plan year,” said Mulready.

Approximately 300,000 Oklahomans rely on Marketplace plans for their health insurance coverage. The availability of eAPTCs, introduced under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and extended through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), has led to a significant increase in enrollment between 2021 and 2024.

You can find additional information about the changes for plan year 2026 and updates at oid.ok.gov/open26.

Contact OID with questions and complaints by calling 800-522-0071.