Quick Answer: The next ACA open enrollment period starts November 1, 2026 and ends December 15, 2026 for most states using HealthCare.gov. Plans selected during this window take effect January 1, 2027. Some state-run exchanges extend their deadline to December 31, 2026. If you missed open enrollment, a Special Enrollment Period triggered by a qualifying life event may let you enroll any time.
As of 2026, ACA open enrollment runs once per year and is the main window to shop for, switch, or start a Marketplace health insurance plan. Miss it and you generally have to wait until the next year unless a life event qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 open enrollment window, state-by-state deadlines, and how to sign up.
2026 ACA Open Enrollment: Key Dates
The enrollment period in fall 2026 is for coverage that starts January 1, 2027. CMS finalized a rule change that eliminates the February 1 effective date option that existed in prior years. All plans enrolled during open enrollment now take effect on January 1.
| Enrollment Window | Coverage Start | Applies To |
|---|
| November 1 to December 15, 2026 | January 1, 2027 | HealthCare.gov states and most state exchanges |
| October 15 to December 15, 2026 | January 1, 2027 | Idaho (Your Health Idaho) |
| October 19 to December 15, 2026 | January 1, 2027 | Georgia (Georgia Access) |
| November 1 to December 31, 2026 | January 1, 2027 | Several state-run exchanges (see table below) |
Note: The enrollment window for 2026 coverage (not 2027) already closed. That period ran November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026 for HealthCare.gov states. If you are currently uninsured, see the Special Enrollment Period section below or check your eligibility for Medicaid or other programs, which have year-round enrollment.
State-by-State Open Enrollment Deadlines for 2027 Coverage
Most of the 30-plus states that use HealthCare.gov close enrollment on December 15, 2026. State-based exchanges may extend beyond that date but no later than December 31.
| State | Exchange | Open Enrollment Start | Deadline |
|---|
| All HealthCare.gov states | HealthCare.gov | November 1, 2026 | December 15, 2026 |
| California | Covered California | November 1, 2026 | December 31, 2026 |
| Colorado | Connect for Health Colorado | November 1, 2026 | December 31, 2026 |
| Georgia | Georgia Access | October 19, 2026 | December 15, 2026 |
| Idaho | Your Health Idaho | October 15, 2026 | December 15, 2026 |
| Kentucky | kynect | November 1, 2026 | December 31, 2026 |
| Massachusetts | Health Connector | November 1, 2026 | December 23, 2026 |
| Nevada | Nevada Health Link | November 1, 2026 | December 31, 2026 |
| New Mexico | beWellnm | November 1, 2026 | December 31, 2026 |
| Rhode Island | HealthSource RI | November 1, 2026 | December 31, 2026 |
| Washington | Washington Healthplanfinder | November 1, 2026 | December 31, 2026 |
States not listed above that operate their own exchange generally follow the December 15 deadline. Always verify your state's exchange website for the most current information.
Who Can Enroll During Open Enrollment
To buy a plan through the ACA Marketplace, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawfully present immigrant
- Live in the United States
- Not be incarcerated
- Not be enrolled in Medicare
There is no income floor to enroll, but your income determines whether you qualify for subsidies. You can enroll whether you are employed, self-employed, or not currently working.
2026 ACA Income Limits and Subsidy Eligibility
Marketplace subsidies in 2026 operate differently than in 2024 and 2025 because the enhanced premium tax credits from the American Rescue Plan expired at the end of 2025. The subsidy cliff has returned, meaning households earning above 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) no longer qualify for premium tax credits.
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 138% FPL (Medicaid limit) | 400% FPL (subsidy cap) |
|---|
| 1 person | $15,650 | $21,597 | $62,600 |
| 2 people | $21,150 | $29,187 | $84,600 |
| 3 people | $26,650 | $36,777 | $106,600 |
| 4 people | $32,150 | $44,367 | $128,600 |
| 5 people | $37,650 | $51,957 | $150,600 |
Income figures are for the 48 contiguous states and Washington D.C. Alaska and Hawaii have higher FPL thresholds.
Subsidy tiers as of 2026:
- 100% to 150% FPL: Premium tax credits may reduce your monthly premium to $0
- 150% to 250% FPL: Premium credits plus cost-sharing reductions lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs
- 250% to 400% FPL: Premium tax credits on a sliding scale; no cost-sharing reductions
- Above 400% FPL: No premium tax credits available
If your income is below 138% FPL and your state expanded Medicaid, you likely qualify for Medicaid instead of a Marketplace plan. Use the screener at CoveredUSA to find out which program fits your situation. For a full breakdown, see ACA income limits.
How to Sign Up: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before you start an application, have the following ready:
- Social Security numbers for everyone in your household applying for coverage
- Dates of birth for all household members
- Most recent federal tax return or an estimate of your expected income for the coming year
- Current health insurance information (if any)
- Employer and income information for everyone in the household
Step 2: Choose Where to Apply
You have three options:
- HealthCare.gov (if your state uses the federal exchange) at healthcare.gov
- Your state's exchange website (see the table above for state-specific sites)
- A licensed insurance agent or broker who can walk you through plans at no extra cost
You can also call 1-800-318-2596 (HealthCare.gov helpline) or use a local navigator. Navigators are certified helpers who provide free, unbiased enrollment assistance.
Step 3: Create or Log In to Your Account
Go to the exchange for your state and create an account or log in if you already have one. If you were enrolled last year, your application may pre-populate with some of your previous information.
Step 4: Complete the Application
Fill in your household size, income, and coverage information. The application will automatically screen you for:
- Premium tax credits (subsidies)
- Cost-sharing reductions
- Medicaid or CHIP eligibility for anyone in your household
This screening happens in real time. If someone in your household qualifies for Medicaid, the system will tell you and direct them to Medicaid enrollment through your state's agency.
Step 5: Compare Plans
Once your application is complete, you will see plans sorted by metal tier: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each tier reflects how costs are split between you and the plan.
| Metal Tier | Average Deductible | Best For |
|---|
| Bronze | High ($5,000 to $8,000) | Healthy people who rarely use care |
| Silver | Medium ($3,000 to $5,000) | Most people; required for cost-sharing reductions |
| Gold | Lower ($1,000 to $3,000) | People with regular prescriptions or appointments |
| Platinum | Very low (under $1,000) | High utilizers who want predictable costs |
If you qualify for cost-sharing reductions (income 100% to 250% FPL), you must select a Silver plan to receive them. Choosing Bronze or Gold while CSR-eligible means you forfeit the extra benefit.
Step 6: Enroll and Pay Your First Premium
Select a plan and complete your enrollment. Coverage does not start until you pay your first premium. Most insurers have a grace period, but your coverage technically begins January 1 only if your first payment is made on time. Check your plan's payment deadline, usually around December 31.
Step 7: Confirm Your Coverage
After enrolling, you will receive a confirmation from the exchange and a welcome letter from your insurer. Keep this documentation. Your insurance card typically arrives by mail within two to three weeks of your first payment.
What If You Miss Open Enrollment?
If December 15 (or your state's deadline) passes without you enrolling, you have two main options:
Special Enrollment Period (SEP): A qualifying life event gives you a 60-day window to enroll outside of open enrollment. Common qualifying events include:
- Losing job-based health coverage
- Getting married or divorced
- Having or adopting a child
- Turning 26 and aging off a parent's plan
- Moving to a new coverage area
- Loss of Medicaid or CHIP eligibility
Medicaid or CHIP: These programs have year-round enrollment with no open enrollment period. If your income is below about 138% FPL (in expansion states), you can apply at any time. Check if you qualify now.
If neither applies to you, you may have to wait until the next open enrollment window. In the meantime, short-term health plans exist but they do not meet ACA standards and do not cover pre-existing conditions.
Key Changes to Know for 2026
Subsidy cliff returned. The enhanced premium tax credits that covered households above 400% FPL expired at the end of 2025. If your income is above 400% FPL, you will pay full premiums for the first time since 2021.
February 1 effective date eliminated. Under prior rules, people who enrolled between December 16 and January 15 could get a February 1 start date. That option no longer exists for standard open enrollment. All enrollment during open enrollment starts January 1.
More verification required. CMS has increased documentation requirements for some enrollments, particularly for Special Enrollment Periods. Be prepared to upload proof of your qualifying event.
Check Your Eligibility Now
Open enrollment is the most important window of the year for health coverage decisions. Whether you are enrolling for the first time, switching plans, or confirming your current coverage is still the best fit, acting before the December 15 deadline matters.
Check your eligibility now at CoveredUSA. It takes 2 minutes. Start here.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does ACA open enrollment start in 2026?
Open enrollment for 2027 coverage starts November 1, 2026 in most states. Idaho opens October 15 and Georgia opens October 19. This is the window to shop for health insurance plans that start January 1, 2027.
When does ACA open enrollment end in 2026?
For states using HealthCare.gov, open enrollment ends December 15, 2026. Several state-run exchanges extend to December 31, including California, Colorado, Washington, Nevada, New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Kentucky. Massachusetts ends December 23.
Did ACA open enrollment already happen in 2026?
Yes. The enrollment window for 2026 coverage ran from November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026. That period has closed. The next open enrollment, for 2027 coverage, opens November 1, 2026.
Can I still get health insurance if I missed the 2026 deadline?
Possibly. If you experienced a qualifying life event such as job loss, marriage, birth of a child, or turning 26, you have 60 days from that event to enroll through a Special Enrollment Period. Medicaid and CHIP are also available year-round with no enrollment deadline.
What changed with ACA subsidies in 2026?
The enhanced premium tax credits that expanded subsidy eligibility above 400% FPL expired at the end of 2025. As of 2026, households earning more than 400% FPL no longer qualify for premium tax credits. Households between 100% and 400% FPL still qualify on a sliding scale.
What income qualifies for a $0 premium ACA plan in 2026?
Households with income between 100% and 150% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for plans with $0 monthly premiums through premium tax credits. For a single person, that is roughly $15,650 to $23,475 per year. For a family of four, approximately $32,150 to $48,225 per year.
Do I have to re-enroll every year on the ACA Marketplace?
No, but it is strongly recommended. If you take no action, your plan may auto-renew at potentially different rates or into a different plan. Reviewing your options each open enrollment period ensures you have the best coverage at the best price for your current income and household situation.
Where do I apply for ACA marketplace coverage?
If your state uses the federal exchange, apply at healthcare.gov. State-run exchange states have their own websites: Covered California (coveredca.gov), Connect for Health Colorado, Washington Healthplanfinder, and others. Licensed brokers can also help you apply at no cost.
