What to Know About Changes for Health Insurance Open Enrollment for 2026
If you’ve been following the national news, you’re aware that changes are coming for people who get health insurance through the federal Marketplace. But you might be wondering how these changes will impact you.
It’s important to do your research and ask an expert if there’s something you don’t understand about your coverage or the process to purchase health insurance.
Here are some key points of information:
Open Enrollment Dates for Health Insurance
Open enrollment for 2026 coverage will be Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 15, 2026. You may have heard that the open enrollment period will be shorter, but that won’t happen until the open enrollment period for 2027 coverage (in fall of 2026).
“If you get your health insurance from the federal Marketplace, or if you don’t have health insurance and you need to get it, be sure not to miss open enrollment. Unless you have a life-qualifying event, like getting married or a job change, you won’t be able to buy health insurance at any other time during the year,” said Kate Serenbetz, Individual Product Manager for Avera Health Plans.
Even if you have Marketplace coverage for the current year, you must renew your coverage beginning Nov. 1, 2025, through the end of open enrollment Jan. 15, to keep any federal financial support.
Understanding Changes in Tax Credits
Congress has not extended the enhanced premium tax credits that were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and aimed to help Americans during the economic fallout caused by COVID. So the enhanced premium tax credits will expire at the end of this year.
The enhanced tax credits significantly increased the amount of financial assistance available to reduce monthly premiums and expanded eligibility to higher income levels. Many people benefited by having zero-dollar premiums during the past two years, which will now expire.
In 2026, premium tax credits will still be offered to qualifying health insurance buyers, but the amount of premium assistance will revert to pre-COVID lower levels, meaning that most enrollees will see increases in premium.
“These changes are universal for policies sold by all insurance companies on the Marketplace,” Serenbetz said. “If your premium is going up with your current plan, it will also be higher with another health insurance carrier.”
“Exploring all the available plans might help,” Serenbetz said. “If you had a Silver plan and can’t afford the higher premium, you can look into a Bronze plan or a plan with a higher deductible.” When you shop at the Marketplace, consider your potential out-of-pocket costs with each option, including premium, deductible, coinsurance and copays.
“Even in light of premium increases, it’s not a good option to go without health insurance. If you have a major health event in your family that results in large bills, your income and savings could be at risk,” Serenbetz said.
Verifying Income and Personal Information
You might be asked by the federal Marketplace (healthcare.gov) to verify your income and/or personal information. Be sure to look out for and promptly answer any requests you receive by email or mail and submit the documents needed to verify/confirm your income.
If You Are on Medicaid
Medicaid changes were enacted in the HR 1 One Big Beautiful Bill in 2025, passed by Congress. Most changes do not begin to take effect until after Dec. 31, 2026. However, states continually review eligibility for Medicaid. If you are notified that you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, the federal Marketplace may be an option for finding affordable health insurance coverage.
Learn More
What to Do if You No Longer Qualify for Medicaid
Is a High-Deductible Health Plan Right for You?
Cost of Care With and Without Insurance
Search and compare plans on the Marketplace
