If you didn’t enroll in health insurance by January 15, you might be feeling stuck — especially with everything happening in Michigan’s insurance market right now. Between rising premiums, the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, and three carriers leaving the state marketplace, it’s no wonder some people put off the decision until it was too late.
But here’s what many Michiganders don’t realize: the January 15 deadline isn’t necessarily the end of the road. Depending on your circumstances, there may still be a clear path to coverage in 2026.
Special Enrollment Periods: The Door That’s Still Open
Outside of open enrollment, the most common way to get ACA-compliant health insurance is through a Special Enrollment Period, or SEP. If you’ve experienced — or are about to experience — a qualifying life event, you typically have 60 days to enroll in a new plan.
According to HealthCare.gov, qualifying life events include:
- Losing existing coverage — through a job change, layoff, COBRA expiration, or aging off a parent’s plan at 26
- Changes in household — getting married, having or adopting a baby, or divorce that results in coverage loss
- Moving — relocating to a new ZIP code, county, or state (as long as you had coverage before your move)
- Income changes — a drop in household income that makes you newly eligible for marketplace savings
- Gaining citizenship or becoming a lawfully present resident
One important note for 2026: if your employer begins offering an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) or QSEHRA, that also triggers a special enrollment window. With small business ICHRA adoption up 52% from 2024 to 2025 according to the HRA Council, more Michigan workers may qualify for this path than they realize.
What If You Don’t Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period?
If none of those situations apply, you still have options — though they come with important trade-offs.
Short-term health insurance is available year-round in Michigan. These plans can start as soon as the next day after approval and typically cost between $80 and $300 per month. However, Michigan limits short-term plans to an initial period of three months, with a total duration (including renewals) of no more than four months per year. Short-term plans don’t cover pre-existing conditions, preventive care, or maternity services, and they aren’t eligible for federal subsidies. They’re a bridge, not a long-term solution — but they can provide critical protection against a major unexpected medical event.
Medicaid through the Healthy Michigan Plan is available year-round with no enrollment deadline. If your income falls below 138% of the federal poverty level (roughly $20,783 for an individual in 2026), you may qualify for free or low-cost coverage. You can apply anytime at MI Bridges or by calling the Michigan Health Care Helpline at 855-789-5610.
Why Going Without Insurance Is Risky in 2026
It might be tempting to go without coverage until the next open enrollment period in the fall. But consider the math: the average individual health insurance premium in Michigan is now roughly $632 per month before subsidies. That means the cost of even a short hospital stay without insurance could far exceed what you’d spend on coverage.
The Urban Institute projects that approximately 4.8 million Americans will drop coverage in 2026 as a result of the subsidy changes — and health policy experts warn that those who go uninsured face growing financial exposure as healthcare costs continue to climb.
An Independent Agent Can Spot Options You Might Miss
Many people don’t realize they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period until someone helps them look at their full picture. A recent job change, a spouse’s coverage ending, an upcoming move, a new baby on the way — any of these can open a 60-day window to enroll.
As an independent insurance agency, JDW & Associates works with multiple carriers across Michigan to help you find coverage that fits your situation and your budget. We can help you determine whether you qualify for special enrollment, walk you through short-term coverage options, or check your eligibility for the Healthy Michigan Plan — all at no cost to you.
Take the Next Step
If you missed open enrollment and aren’t sure what comes next, you don’t have to figure it out alone. The sooner you explore your options, the sooner you can close the gap in your coverage.
Contact JDW & Associates today for a free, no-obligation insurance review. Call us at 734-475-1664 or reach out online — we’re here to help you sort through your options and find the right path forward.
This information is general and not legal or tax advice. Insurance coverage, rates, and availability vary by individual circumstances and are subject to change. Contact JDW & Associates for personalized guidance on your specific situation.
