ACA Subsidies Expiring: What It Means for 2026 Marketplace Insurance Coverage

Sticker shock might be on the way. With ACA subsidies expiring after 2025, the 2026 coverage year could bring some steep health insurance premiums if Congress doesn’t act. The Obamacare Open Enrollment Period starts November 1 and runs through January 15, but you’ll need to enroll by December 15 to get coverage starting January 1.

During the most recent enrollment period, 4 out of 5 consumers were able to find a health plan for $20 or less per month, thanks to expanded subsidies under the American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act, according to CMS.gov. That affordability could disappear if enhanced financial assistance expires.

At Marketplace Insurance, we’re helping families and individuals in Fort Lauderdale and across 21 states understand their health plan options before the 2026 rates go into effect. Our licensed agents walk you through the process to make sure your application is submitted on time, and your coverage fits your needs and your budget.

What Are ACA Subsidies, and Why Are They Changing?

ACA subsidies were created to lower the cost of health insurance through the federal Marketplace. They’re based on your income and household size and come in two types: premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions.

When the pandemic hit, Congress temporarily expanded these subsidies. That expansion made more people eligible and significantly reduced costs. But unless new legislation is passed, those changes are scheduled to expire after 2025.

Without an extension, millions could lose access to low-cost or no-cost plans for 2026.

How Expiring Subsidies Could Affect Your 2026 Marketplace Premium

If the ACA subsidies expire as scheduled, you could see your premium go up, sometimes by hundreds of dollars per month.

Take a family of four in Fort Lauderdale earning around $60,000 per year. Under the expanded subsidies, they may pay less than $100 per month for a Marketplace plan. Without the expanded subsidy, their monthly premium could jump to over $500.

Even small changes in income could affect your eligibility. Many people who qualified for generous savings in 2025 might not qualify in 2026.

Timeline: Key Dates for the 2026 Open Enrollment Period

Mark your calendar. Open Enrollment started November 1 and ends January 15. To get coverage that starts January 1, you must enroll by December 15.

This window is your chance to compare plans, update your income and household information, and check if you still qualify for savings. If ACA subsidies expire, locking in a plan early might give you more predictable pricing before rates shift.

Don’t wait until prices go up or subsidies phase out. Act during the enrollment period to keep your options open.