Open Enrollment for 2026 has started. Nov. 1, 2025-Jan. 15, 2026.

Here's what's changing for 2026, and how to get ready.

1. Subsidies May End

Some federal subsidies that help lower ACA Marketplace plan costs are set to expire at the end of this year. If they expire, you may have to pay more for coverage. There has been no confirmation on whether or not Congress will act to extend these subsidies.

To Do:

2. Stricter Proof of Income

Starting in 2026, if your reported income doesn’t match your tax data (or no data is available), you’ll need documentation to verify your income. This also applies to some members who usually auto-renew coverage. There is a 90-day window to respond if asked.

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3. No Special Enrollment Exceptions

To get coverage, you must enroll between Nov. 1, 2025-Jan. 15, 2026 unless you have a qualifying life event such as a job loss, marriage, birth of a child, etc.

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*This amount was announced in June 2022.