The ACA marketplace’s open enrollment period kicks off on Nov. 1, but HealthCare.gov and states have price previews already available.
The shopping window will remain open until Jan. 15, 2026, but those assessing their coverage face uncertainty. The fate of enhanced ACA subsidies is still up in the air, with the government shutdown now in its fourth week. These tax credits boosted marketplace eligibility.
Here are six things to know going into open enrollment:
1. After tax credits, the average marketplace premium in 2026 will be $50 per month, which is $13 — or 26% — more expensive than this year, according to CMS.
2. A KFF analysis found that if Congress does not renew the tax credits, premiums could double for those who are currently subsidized.
3. Marketplace enrollment has grown from 11.4 million in 2020 to 24.3 million in 2025 as a result of the credits, KFF also found.
4. On HealthCare.gov, 19 of the 30 participating states will have at least the same number of qualified health plan issuers available to enrollees next year.
5. Almost 60% of returning ACA enrollees will have access to a plan in their category of choice that is no more than $50 after tax credits, CMS said. In 2025, 83% of enrollees did.
6. Next year, 95% of enrollees will have access to at least three qualified health plan issuers, versus 96% in 2025.
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