Marketplace enrollees have a lot on their minds this year, with premiums set to increase more than $1,000/year for the average person receiving PTCs, if PTC enhancements expire. Here are some other tips for navigating ACA marketplace enrollment in 2026:

People can enroll/change plans any time before the end of open enrollment in their state. To ensure they’re getting all the financial help they qualify for, people should check back in with their marketplace in Jan in case Congress has extended the PTC enhancements. www.cbpp.org/media/market...

If you are automatically reenrolled and don’t want that plan, you can cancel that enrollment any time through Dec 31 and avoid having to pay Jan premiums. (Some people will still be protected from owing these if they simply don’t pay their Jan premium, but not everyone!)

People enrolled through HealthCare.gov can opt out of automatic enrollment for 2026 by logging into their account, going to “My Plans & Programs,” and selecting the “stop coverage” button. www.healthcare.gov/keep-or-chan...

People ineligible for premium credits in 2026 – incl. certain immigrants who have income <100% FPL (who are losing coverage due to the Republican megabill) & ppl w/ income >400% FPL (if PTC enhancements expire) – should take action by Dec 15 to avoid surprises & bank overdraft fees.

If Congress hasn’t extended PTC enhancements by then, it’s very important not to rely on automatic reenrollment, since premiums will be so much higher in every state. www.cbpp.org/research/res...

Dec 15 is the last day you can update your info, make a plan selection for Jan 1 coverage, or opt out of automatic reenrollment before the marketplace automatically renews your 2025 coverage and financial help for 2026.

Make sure your marketplace insurer has your updated contact information, so you don’t miss any important updates.

Right now, you should log into your marketplace account and update your household size and income information to ensure you get the right amount of financial help in 2026. For help estimating income, see: www.healthreformbeyondthebasics.org/key-facts-in...

Congress should do the responsible thing and extend enhanced PTCs now, to prevent massive coverage loss and ensure people like Kat, who don’t have an offer of employer coverage, can continue to afford coverage and get the health care they need. www.cbpp.org/research/hea...

Open enrollment (OE) begins in just 26 days (except in Idaho where OE begins in 9 days). The more time that passes, the more people will become uninsured. www.cbpp.org/charts/marke...

Another complication: More than 1/2 of enrollees typically re-enroll automatically in mid-Dec., staying in the same plan. They may not learn about their higher premiums until they get their bill for Jan, leaving just a few weeks in Jan. to adjust before OE ends. www.kff.org/affordable-c...

Because of uncertainty about prices and PTCs, CMS let insurers omit 2026 premiums for renewal notices this year. Some state-based marketplaces will send notices w/more information, but many people will be blindsided when they return to the marketplace to shop. www.cms.gov/files/docume...

Why? If the PTC enhancements expire, premiums will double for the average enrollee. People will start to see these higher prices in the coming weeks, and enrollees in some states (so far GA, ID, NV, and VA) already can. www.kff.org/affordable-c...