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Make sure you stay covered

It is still unclear if Congress will act to help keep health insurance monthly premiums affordable in 2026. If you have a health insurance plan through the Individual Marketplace Exchange (Healthcare.gov) in any state, or are planning to enroll, here’s what you need to know:

Make sure your coverage stays active.

It’s important to provide the requested information (employment/income verification) in a timely manner and to continue to pay premiums to keep your coverage active. If you don’t pay your premiums, your insurance coverage will lapse and any healthcare services you receive will become your financial responsibility.

  • If you have a Marketplace plan when open enrollment starts, you should get two re-enrollment letters by November 1 – one from the Marketplace and one from your plan. Any action that you need to take in the auto-enrollment process will be found in these letters, so make sure to read them in detail. To learn more about the auto-enrollment process, visit this page on Healthcare.gov.

Apply during open enrollment.

Enrollment is November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026. Here are the important dates:

  • November 1: Open enrollment begins; this is the first day you can enroll in, renew or change health plans through the Marketplace for the coming year. Coverage can start as soon as January 1.
  • December 15: Last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage to start January 1.
  • January 1: Coverage starts for those who enroll in or change plans by December 15 and pay their first premium.
  • January 15: Open enrollment ends – last day to enroll in or change Marketplace health plans for the year. After this date, you can enroll in or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. If you think that you qualify, visit this page on Healthcare.gov.
  • February 1: Coverage starts for those who enroll in or change plans December 16 through January 15 and pay their first premium.

Make sure you are eligible for Marketplace coverage.

To be eligible to enroll or renew, you must:

  • Live in the United States.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or national, or be a lawfully present non-citizen in the U.S.
  • Not be incarcerated.

What you can do

No longer qualify for and/or able to afford Health Insurance Marketplace coverage? You may still have other options.

  • Employer-sponsored health insurance: If you or your spouse has had a change in employment status, you may be able to sign up for an employer-sponsored health insurance plan through your job or your spouse’s job. Check with the employer’s human resources department for more information. You may also be able to enroll during the employer’s annual enrollment period.
  • Medicaid: If Health Insurance Marketplace coverage is no longer affordable for you or your family, you may qualify for Medicaid. To access a link to your state Medicaid agency, visit FindMyState.link.

Additional resources