Health insurance basics for new arrivals in Charlotte
Open enrollment Nov 1 to Jan 15If you came from India, US health insurance can feel like a new language. This page covers the dates that matter, the 2027 change for visa holders on the Marketplace, the words you will see on every plan, and two rights most newcomers do not know they have. It does not recommend any plan or insurer.
Facts checked Oct 25, 2026
HealthCare.gov open enrollment for 2027 coverage in NC and SC runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027; enroll by December 15 for a January 1 start. From January 1, 2027, Marketplace savings are limited to green card holders and a few other groups. H-1B, H-4 and F-1 holders can still buy a plan, without the savings.
Open enrollment for 2027
HealthCare.gov open enrollment (used in NC and SC) runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1.
Source: healthcare.gov ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
The 2027 change for visa holders
From January 1, 2027, only lawful permanent residents (green card holders), Cuban and Haitian entrants and COFA migrants qualify for Marketplace savings. Holders of nonimmigrant visas such as H-1B and student visas can still buy Marketplace coverage, but without savings.
Source: healthcare.gov ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
Enrolling outside the window
Moving to the US from abroad, or to a new ZIP code or county, can open a Special Enrollment Period. A birth or adoption lets you enroll up to 60 days afterwards. Marketplace call center: 1-800-318-2596.
Source: healthcare.gov ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
The words on your plan, in plain English
- Premium: what you pay every month to have the plan, even if you never see a doctor.
- Deductible: what you pay for covered care in a year before the plan starts sharing costs.
- Copay: a fixed amount for a visit or prescription, such as a set fee for a doctor visit.
- Coinsurance: your percentage share of a bill after the deductible, such as 20 percent.
- Out-of-pocket maximum: the most you pay for covered care in a year; after that the plan pays the rest.
- Network: the doctors and hospitals that have a contract with your plan. Outside it usually costs more.
- Prior authorization: approval the plan must give before some treatments or medicines.
- HSA: a tax-advantaged savings account that only works with certain high-deductible plans.
Official definitions of each term are in the HealthCare.gov glossary.
Source: healthcare.gov ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
Surprise bills and estimates
The No Surprises Act (in effect since January 1, 2022) protects you from surprise out-of-network bills for emergency care and some care at in-network facilities. If you are uninsured or paying yourself, you can ask for a good faith estimate, and you can dispute a bill that comes in $400 or more above it. Help desk: 1-800-985-3059.
Source: cms.gov ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
Your right to a free interpreter
Health providers covered by Section 1557 must offer free language help, including a qualified interpreter. They cannot make you bring your own interpreter or rely on a child, except in narrow emergencies. The current rule took effect July 5, 2024.
Source: hhs.gov ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
Questions people ask
Can H-1B holders buy Marketplace health insurance in 2027?
Yes, they can still buy a plan, but from January 1, 2027 they do not qualify for Marketplace savings, per HealthCare.gov as of October 25, 2026.
When is open enrollment for 2027 in North Carolina?
November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov. Enroll by December 15 for a January 1 start.