Quick answer. The 2026 Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment Period ran from November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026. Outside that window, you generally need a qualifying life change for a Special Enrollment Period. Premium Tax Credits still lower Marketplace premiums for eligible households, but for 2026 the IRS says household income generally must be at least 100% and not more than 400% of the federal poverty line, subject to special rules.
Key takeaways
- The 2026 Marketplace Open Enrollment Period is over.
- Outside Open Enrollment, a Special Enrollment Period may be available after certain life changes or coverage losses.
- The temporary rule allowing Premium Tax Credits above 400% of the federal poverty line ended after tax year 2025.
- Your final premium and tax credit depend on household information, income, location and the plans available.
- Report income and household changes to the Marketplace so advance credits can be adjusted.
What changed for 2026
The IRS says the temporary elimination of the 400% federal-poverty-line ceiling applied for tax years 2021 through 2025. For 2026, the IRS’s general Premium Tax Credit rule again limits eligibility to household income from at least 100% through 400% of the federal poverty line, with special circumstances for some people below 100%. Read the IRS Premium Tax Credit eligibility conditions.
CMS reported that the average HealthCare.gov premium after tax credits for the lowest-cost plan was projected to be $50 per month for eligible enrollees in 2026, but that national average is not a price quote for any individual. The same CMS fact sheet shows that the share of eligible re-enrollees with a plan in their chosen category at or below $50 was projected to fall compared with 2025. See the CMS plan-year 2026 Marketplace fact sheet.
Can you enroll now?
HealthCare.gov says that outside Open Enrollment, a person can enroll in or change a Marketplace plan only if they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period based on certain life changes. Examples include marriage, birth or adoption, loss of qualifying coverage, and some moves. The timing and document rules vary by event. Check the current Special Enrollment Period rules on HealthCare.gov.
| Your situation | Best next step | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| You need coverage now | Check whether a recent or expected life change qualifies for a Special Enrollment Period. | The event date, coverage-loss date and document requirements. |
| Your income changed | Update the Marketplace application promptly. | Projected annual household income and household members. |
| You may qualify for a tax credit | Use the Marketplace application, then reconcile advance credits on the applicable tax return. | Income, tax family, other coverage eligibility and Form 8962 requirements. |
| You lost Medicaid or CHIP | Check the Marketplace Special Enrollment Period and contact the state agency. | Loss date, eligibility notice and any transition deadline. |
Detailed ACA guides
- How 2026 ACA subsidy rules changed
- The 2026 Premium Tax Credit income ceiling
- 2026 Marketplace enrollment dates
- Premium Tax Credit guide
- 2026 federal poverty level chart
- Medicaid guide
Official sources
- CMS — Plan Year 2026 Marketplace Plans and Prices
- IRS — Premium Tax Credit overview
- HealthCare.gov — Special Enrollment Periods
Source review: CMS, IRS and HealthCare.gov pages checked July 27, 2026. The Guru Gazette is an independent publisher and is not affiliated with CMS, the IRS or a Marketplace. This page provides general information, not tax, medical or insurance advice. Editorial status: This guide has been checked against the cited official sources. Independent subject-matter review has not been completed.
[…] ACA 2026 Guide […]
[…] ACA 2026 Guide […]
[…] ACA 2026 Guide […]