✅ ACA Open Enrollment 2026: What’s New & What You Should Know

It’s official – Open Enrollment for ACA coverage in 2026 runs from Nov 1 to Dec 15, 2025, with coverage starting Jan 1, 2026. Here’s what’s changing and why it matters:

🔹 1. Open Enrollment Window Shortened

A new federal rule mandates that all marketplaces close enrollment by December 15, a month earlier than before.

😮 Why it matters:

• You have less time to shop around or switch plans.
• Delaying enrollment could push your coverage start date to February 1 instead of January.

🔹 2. Monthly Special Enrollment Period Ends

Starting 2026, low-income individuals (≤150% FPL) will no longer have a rolling monthly enrollment window.

⚠️ Impact: Unless you have a qualifying event (job loss, marriage, etc.), you must enroll during Nov 1–Dec 15.

🔹 3. No More Passive $0-Premium Renewals

Fully subsidized plans will auto-renew, but you’ll owe $5/month unless you actively re-confirm eligibility each year.

📝 Why it’s important: Logging in annually avoids surprise fees and keeps your plan up-to-date.

🔹 4. Enhanced Subsidies Expire by End of 2025

American Rescue Plan subsidies expire, reverting to pre-pandemic levels in 2026.

⏳ Effect: Monthly premiums could spike up to 75% for net costs; gross premiums may rise 7–8%.

🔹 5. Stricter Verification Rules to Combat Fraud

CMS will tighten verification:

• Applicants must pre-verify qualifying events like job loss to use SEPs.
• Income and coverage status checks will be stricter.

📉 Reason: To reduce improper enrollments that cost taxpayers billions.

🔹 6. Major Insurer Exit — Aetna/CVS

Aetna (CVS) is exiting the ACA Marketplace in 2026, impacting about 1 million members in 17 states.

🔁 What to do: If you’re on Aetna, shop for a new plan or risk losing coverage.

💡 What You Can Do:

🛡️ Bottom Line

• ✅ Shorter enrollment window
• ✅ Subsidies expiring
• ✅ New verification rules
• ✅ Major insurer exits

👉 Act early, review your plan carefully, and compare your options. Our licensed advisors are ready to help—at no cost to you. Contact us today to secure your coverage for 2026!