When Is Open Enrollment for 2026?
The 2026 Open Enrollment Period (OEP) for ACA marketplace health insurance runs from November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026. Plans selected by December 15, 2025 take effect January 1, 2026. Plans selected between December 16 and January 15 take effect February 1, 2026.
Key Deadlines
- November 1, 2025: Open Enrollment begins. You can shop, compare, and enroll.
- December 15, 2025: Deadline to enroll for January 1, 2026 coverage start.
- January 15, 2026: Open Enrollment closes. Last day to enroll for 2026 coverage (February 1 start).
What Changed for 2026?
The enhanced ACA subsidies that expanded eligibility since 2021 remain in effect for 2026. Households earning above 400% FPL can still receive subsidies if their benchmark Silver plan premium exceeds 8.5% of household income. This means many middle-income households that previously did not qualify for subsidies now do.
Premium benchmark rates are recalculated each year by state and county. Even if your income did not change, your subsidy amount may have changed due to carrier rate adjustments in your area. Always re-shop during Open Enrollment rather than auto-renewing without checking.
Should You Switch Plans?
You should review your plan every year during Open Enrollment. Carriers change networks, formularies, and premiums annually. Your cheapest option this year may not be your cheapest option next year. Key things to check:
- Are your doctors still in-network on your current plan?
- Are your prescriptions still covered at the same tier?
- Has your income changed in a way that affects your subsidy eligibility?
- Have new carriers entered your market offering better rates?
What If You Miss Open Enrollment?
After January 15, 2026, you can only enroll in a marketplace plan if you experience a qualifying life event that triggers a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Common qualifying events include losing job-based coverage, getting married, having a baby, moving to a new state, and gaining or losing a dependent.
Medicaid has no enrollment period — if you qualify based on income, you can apply and enroll year-round.