Information Center

What’s changing for ACA Marketplace plans in 2026?With open enrollment around the corner (November 1 to January 15, in most states), you may be starting to think about your plan coverage for next year. There are big changes happening for ACA Marketplace plans in 2026. These changes are a result of new regulations from the federal government. They apply to all plans and insurers, including UnitedHealthcare. Learn more and get ready for enrollment, whether you’re looking to keep your current ACA Marketplace plan or you’re new to the Marketplace.
New rules, deadlines and costs — what to know for 2026Here are the 2 big changes for ACA Marketplace plans for 2026 initiated by the federal government:

Year-round open enrollment is ending: Regardless of your income, if you want coverage for 2026, you’ll need to enroll during open enrollment (November 1 to January 15, in most states). Outside of this time frame, you’ll have to prove you had a qualifying life event, like getting married or losing coverage from a spouse or employer plan, to sign up.  
Subsidies might be changing: Changes to subsidies could impact premiums for all ACA Marketplace plan members starting January 1, 2026 depending on whether Congress extends the enhanced subsidies. Your out-of-pocket premium costs may go up, even if you keep the same plan. To keep financial assistance or qualify for the lowest-cost plan available next year, you’ll need to verify your income during open enrollment.

Change #1: Year-round open enrollment is ending No matter how much money you make, if you want health coverage for 2026, the government requires that you must sign up during open enrollment — November 1 to January 15. This change applies to everyone, even if you make a very low income. It impacts all Marketplace plans and insurers, including UnitedHealthcare.
What you need to know

Everyone must enroll during the open enrollment period. There is no longer an exception that allows people with incomes below 150% Federal Poverty Level to enroll year-round.  
If you miss this window, you can only sign up later if something big happens in your life, like getting married or losing other coverage. You’ll need to experience a qualifying life event, like a marriage certificate or insurance termination notice.

Change #2: Subsidies might be changing — stay informed Subsidies for ACA Marketplace plans may change in 2026. A subsidy is money (tax credits) from the government that helps lower the cost of your health plan. How much help you get depends on how much money you make. Millions of people benefit from these savings, making coverage more accessible with lower costs. You can learn more about the legislation through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). 
What you need to know

Some government subsidies for ACA Marketplace plans are set to expire in 2025.
Unless Congress acts, these subsidies may end for 2026 ACA plans. This means some of that financial help could stop, and some people may have to pay higher premium costs each month.

As of now, Congress has not confirmed whether they’ll extend the enhanced subsidies beyond 2025, but we’re telling you now so you can be ready and plan ahead. The rules this year are a little different, so even if you’ve read about subsidies before, it’s a good idea to check again.
How could my premium change?

Net premiums (what you pay after subsidies) could rise by more than 75% on average if enhanced subsidies expire1
The federal government would cover less of your premium  
Gross premiums (the full price before any help) are also projected to increase by nearly 8%, according to the Congressional Budget Office2

SEE ARTICLE: What’s changing for ACA Marketplace plans in 2026? | UnitedHealthcare

Healthcare.gov is the government's website where information on the Affordable Care Act can be found.

Kaiser Family Foundation offers unbiased, objective information on Health Care Reform as well as provides resources for you such as Subsidy Calculators and information on all Health Care Reform Topics in a format that you can understand.

BenefitsCheckUp.org helps you find state, federal, and private benefits programs available where you live. These benefits programs can help pay for prescriptions, health care, food, utilities, and more.

You can also get help with tax relief, transportation, legal issues, or finding work. If you are lower income or have trouble paying for healthcare expenses you should start here. There are many programs available to help consumers who are struggling with healthcare costs.

This list is not a complete listing of plans available in your service area.
For a complete listing please contact 1-800-MEDICARE or consult www.medicare.gov.

We are not associated with Medicare, Medicaid or the Federal government.

Other Helpful Links:

This list is not a complete listing of plans available in your service area. For a complete listing please contact 1-800-MEDICARE or consult www.medicare.gov.

This list is not a complete listing of plans available in your service area.
For a complete listing please contact 1-800-MEDICARE or consult www.medicare.gov.