TROUT INSURANCE SERVICES
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Open Enrollment & Renewal is Open!

Find coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace (ACA plans) — also known as ObamaCare or Marketplace Health Insurance. We also offer Direct Plans outside the Marketplace.
  • Enroll or renew by December 15, 2025 for coverage starting January 1, 2026.
  • Extended Open Enrollment: Apply between December 16, 2025 and January 15, 2026 for coverage starting February 1, 2026.
Jumpstart to Enroll/ Renewal
🇺🇸 Important Update – November 11, 2025
​
​
As of this writing, the Enhanced Premium Subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are set to expire at the end of 2025.
There may be new legislation in December that affects ACA tax credits for 2026 — but for now, here’s what we know:
  1. Plan and proceed based on current rules. Don’t delay your enrollment or renewal while waiting for possible changes.
  2. IF new legislation is passed, you’ll have until January 15, 2026 to make updates to your plan.
  3. Premium subsidies for 2026 may appear larger than in 2025 — however, most insurance premiums have increased 25–40% (or more).
  4. Income limits still apply. If your projected 2026 household income exceeds 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you won’t qualify for premium subsidies:
    1. Single: $60,250
    2. Couple: $82,800
    3. Family of 4: $125,000
  5. Any new or extended subsidy programs will depend on actions by our representatives in Congress and the President. As citizens, it’s important to make your voice heard on these issues.

 🦸‍♂️ Captain ACA America –  Your Hero for Open Enrollment & Renewal

🥇 Step One: Estimate Your 2026 Income

The Marketplace bases your eligibility for premium subsidies on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) for the entire household — even if some family members (for example, those on Medicare) aren’t applying for coverage. Be sure to include all taxable income for everyone in your household, such as:
  • Wages and salaries
  • Social Security benefits
  • Taxable IRA distributions
  • Dividends and investment income
Need help with the Numbers? See The Hulk Hero for more info. 
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Captain ACA America!
🥈 Step Two: Review Your Current Plan & Renewal

Important: The APTC (Advance Premium Tax Credit) — your premium subsidy — is only an estimate. We’ll review and calculate your subsidy accurately to make sure you’re getting the right amount.

​Most 2026 plan premiums are increasing by 40% or more, so it’s essential to double-check your renewal details before finalizing coverage.
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🥉 Step Three: What Do You Want Your Insurance to Do?
​Before choosing a plan, think about how you actually use your healthcare. Your priorities will help determine the best fit:
​
  • Big Expenses: Hospital stays, surgeries, major testing, or skilled nursing care.
  • Day-to-Day Benefits: Specialists, ongoing testing, mental health visits, and physical therapy.
  • Provider Access: Do you want all your current doctors in-network, or are you flexible as long as your needs are met?
  • Prescriptions: Do you take no regular meds, only generic drugs, or high-cost brand names?
  • Costs: Compare copays, deductibles, and your plan’s maximum out-of-pocket limit — these determine your total exposure if you have a major claim.
🏅 Step Four: Add New Coverage Options

Now’s the time to explore your options and see where you can save money or expand protection.
  • Change Insurance Companies: You may find lower premiums with other carriers — just note that some may have narrower doctor networks.
  • Go Bronze: Bronze plans often have much lower premiums than Silver — even compared to Silver plans with cost-sharing reductions.
  • Open a Health Savings Account (HSA): Use tax-advantaged dollars to pay medical expenses. Contributions are tax-deductible, and qualified withdrawals are tax-free.
  • Add Supplemental Coverage: Consider Accident and Hospital Indemnity Plans that pay cash directly to you if you experience a covered medical event. These can help cushion the impact of higher deductibles or unexpected costs.
🦸‍♀️ Step Five: Discover Your Options

​Now that you’ve completed the first four steps, it’s time to put it all together. Using what you’ve learned about your income, current plan, coverage goals, and new options, we’ll help you identify the plans that best fit your needs and your budget.

Complete the form at the FactFinder button below so we can help you move forward confidently, with the best choice for 2026.
ACA FactFinder to Enroll/Renew
🦸‍♂️  Ready to Enroll or Renew?
​
Visit the links below to continue:
  • Enroll or Renew through HealthSherpa
  • Blue Cross Members: Log in to Blue Connect

ACA Examples

1. Family of Four: Parents 40 & 39, Kids 11 & 9 - 2026 Income = $72,000
• 2025 Premium Subsidy with Enhanced Credits - $1,625 per month
• 2026 Premium Subsidy with Enhanced Credits - $1,831 per month
Even though the Subsidy has increased by 12% - The Premiums of the actual insurance have increase by some 40%.
Example Option 1: BCBS Silver Plan with CSR
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Example Option 2: Bronze Plan 1 BCBS
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Example Option 3: Bronze Plan 2 Ambetter
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​💰 Comparison Example of Premium Savings
See how much is saved by adjusting the plan level:
Monthly Savings vs. Annual Savings
Silver → Bronze 1 $610 monthly or $7,320 annually
Silver → Bronze 2 $745 monthly or $9,000 annually
Bronze 1 → Bronze 2 $135 monthly or $1,620 annually
​
🛡️ Add Effective Coverage to Cushion Higher Deductibles
Supplemental plans can help offset the impact of higher out-of-pocket costs. Consider adding:
  • $5,000 Accident Plan
  • $2,000 Hospital Plan
These plans pay cash directly to you for covered medical events — helping bridge the gap until your deductible is met.

🩺 If You Choose a Bronze Plan – Open a Health Savings Account (HSA) 
​
For 2026, you can contribute up to:
  • $4,400 – Individual
  • $8,800 – Family
If claims occur, you can pay medical expenses with tax-advantaged dollars. For example, at a 15% tax rate, you’re effectively saving 15% on your medical costs through your HSA.

Ready? Please complete the ACA FactFinder and let's get started.

ACA FactFinder to Enroll/Renew

More ACA Heroes from Trout Insurance

Iron Man – Choosing the right armor matters. We’ll help you find the right insurance company and coverage for your unique needs.

​The Hulk - Max Your Money – Smashing through the numbers. The Big Guy works in Tax & Accounting to take on decreasing Premium subsidies.

Thor - Supplemental Plans – Wielding the Hammer of Protection! Additional plans can help strike down unexpected costs and claims.

​And... YOU – The Super Citizen! Take charge of your health, your coverage, and your future.
Trout Insurance Services

Monday-Friday
9:00am - 5:00pm & by appointment


​Visit: 29 N Main St
Weaverville, NC 28787
     
Mail: PO Box 1414     
Weaverville, NC 28787  
Ph: 828.279.4681
​
Fax: 1.888.221.4842
​

[email protected]
Trout Insurance is an Independent Insurance Agency Based in WNC. 
Privacy Notice Statement  | Privacy Policy
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“We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or call 1.800.Medicare to get information on all of your options.”
Trout Insurance is an independent authorized agency licensed to sell and promote products from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC). The content contained in this site is maintained by Trout Insurance. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®, SM Registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.”
  • Insurance
    • Home & Auto Insurance >
      • Home & Auto Intro
      • Travelers - Customer Services
      • Hartford - Customer Services
      • Nationwide Customer Service
      • National General Customer Service
    • Health Insurance >
      • ACA Open Enrollment 2026
    • Medicare
    • Accident & Hospital >
      • Accident Plans
      • Critical Illness
      • Long-Term Care
      • Disability Insurance
    • Pet Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Travel Medical and Trip Protection
    • Dental and Vision
    • Employee Benefits
    • Business Owners >
      • Group Health Insurance
      • Commercial Property & Liability
      • Business Overhead Expense Disability
      • Disability for Business Owners
      • Critical Illness
    • Short Term Health
  • Trout Team
    • Our Story
    • Dave Trout
    • David Hanson
    • Idelle Davids
    • Linnea Conway
    • Jan Trout
    • Steve Dillingham
  • Resources
    • Discover Your Options
    • 50 Plus
    • Tales of Whoa
    • Employee Success
    • Fifty Plus
    • Fixing the ACA "Family Glitch"
    • Medicaid Expansion
    • Client Center
    • Newsletter
    • Thank You
    • Reviews
    • Blog
    • Articles >
      • Fine Homes WNC
      • Privacy Policy
      • Insurance Partners
      • No Income Cap
      • ACA Income Verification
      • BCBS Online Setup
      • APTC Income 2023 & Tax Form 1040
      • Prior Agents
      • Lost Subsidy
  • Community
    • WNC Strong
    • LLyods of Weaverville
    • Fishbowl- Yellow Mug
    • Built to Last
    • Candlelight Stroll
    • Music on Main
    • Goombay & YMI
    • Weaverville Primary Spring Fling
    • 50+ WNC Articles
    • Understanding Medicare 2024
    • Mural on Main Street
    • Alignment's 5-Star Switch
    • YMI Winter Coat Drive
    • Employer Networking w/ Just Economics
    • Blue Ridge Pride Festival
    • Medicare Seminar
    • Art in Autumn + MANNA
    • Western Women's Business Center Conference
    • Back to School
  • Contact Us
  • New Page