News

Thursday is final open enrollment deadline for HealthCare.gov marketplace

By Lightning Reports, Published: January 11, 2026

With the final open enrollment deadline just days away, Pisgah Legal Services is reminding the community that help is still available.

The legal aid agency is offering free appointments ahead of the Jan. 15 deadline for Feb. 1, 2026, coverage through HealthCare.gov Marketplace.
 
With the decline in enrollment this year due to recent changes and rising prices, Pisgah Legal Services encourages people not to abandon coverage for 2026 without speaking to a certified health care navigator. Navigators will uncover all possible options, answer questions, and assist with enrollment from start to finish before the deadline — all for free.
 
“We have experienced navigators that are trained to find subsidies and plans that may not be as easy to find without expert help,” said Mike McDonald, managing director at Pisgah Legal Services. “They have a thorough understanding of the system and are here to help as many people as possible stay covered in 2026.”
 
Pisgah Legal can help compare plans and make sure individuals and families understand their options amidst all the changes this year. Make a free appointment before the Jan. 15 deadline by visiting pisgahlegal.org/health or calling 828-210-3404.
 
“There’s nothing to lose by making an appointment, but you may gain another year of coverage and the peace of mind that comes with it,” McDonald said.
 
Bilingual navigators are available to assist in Spanish, and free interpretation services are available for speakers of other languages.