Opinion: Open enrollment begins Nov. 1. Here’s what Alaskans need to know for 2026 coverage.
By Eric Utraq Billingsley and Natasha Pope
We know healthy communities thrive. That’s why United Way of Anchorage is committed to removing barriers and opening doors to opportunity for Alaskans, including access to quality, affordable healthcare.
With open enrollment just around the corner, now is the time for Alaskans to prioritize their health and get ready to get covered. However, funding reductions will limit how United Way can support our community with finding health coverage this year.
Since the launch of the Affordable Care Act, United Way navigators have helped tens of thousands of Alaskans across the state find the right healthcare plan that fits their unique needs. These navigators are trained and certified to answer questions and assist with applications and enrollment on HealthCare.gov.
For Alaskans who have never enrolled in coverage before or have questions about renewing or updating their coverage, navigators serve as trusted resources, providing free, confidential, and unbiased assistance. They help Alaskans make sense of the multiple choices for obtaining coverage. They dispel myths and misinformation that may keep people from applying for a plan that fits both their budget and their needs. When people know they have made a well-informed choice, they feel better about that decision.
This year, like many other organizations nationwide, we experienced a 90% reduction in our federal funding for the navigator program. Despite this challenge, our commitment remains the same. We are adapting and continuing to work closely with our community partners to serve Alaskans statewide.
By prioritizing virtual assistance, we are maximizing our capacity. Still, our community will feel the impact of this shift from 14 full-time navigators to just 1 full-time and four part-time. We will do all we can to support our community members in need, but with fewer staff and resources, there will be longer wait times and fewer opportunities for one-on-one assistance.
Where can people can go on their own? Alaskans can call the HealthCare.gov call center at 1-800-318-2596 (TYY: 1-855-889-4325). Assistance is available in over 200 languages 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They can also click the “Find Local Help” button on HealthCare.gov to connect with a Navigator, Certified Application Counselor, or application Marketplace-registered agent or broker.
Beginning Nov. 1, Alaskans can enroll in, renew, or change plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov (or CuidadoDeSalud.gov for Spanish speakers). For coverage to start on Jan. 1, you must enroll in or change plans by Dec. 15. Open enrollment ends on January 15. The 2026 health plans will be available soon — you can browse plans and estimated prices before you apply.
People are more likely to succeed in school and at their jobs when they are healthy. Their successes help them have a better quality of life and improve their communities. Health insurance is a vital key, opening the door to both health and financial security.
This will be a challenging year, but you can count on United Way of Anchorage and Alaska 211 to continue doing everything we can to help Alaskans find the health coverage that fits their needs.