ACA Marketplace 2026 – What You Need to Know
- Irving Vierma
- Aug 29
- 1 min read
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced important updates to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace for the 2026 plan year. Here are the highlights:
🔑 Key Changes
Eligibility checks: Stricter verification of income and documents.
DACA status: DACA recipients will no longer qualify for ACA plans or subsidies.
Coverage updates: Gender-affirming care is no longer required as an Essential Health Benefit.
Enrollment periods:
Open Enrollment → Nov. 1 – Dec. 31 (shorter than before).
Monthly SEP for low-income households is eliminated unless another qualifying event applies.
Automatic re-enrollment fee: A $5 monthly charge applies until eligibility is confirmed.
Past-due premiums: Insurers may require payment of overdue premiums before new coverage starts.
📉 Impact
Premiums may drop by around 5% in 2026.
The federal government could save up to $12 billion.
Between 725,000 and 1.8 million people may lose coverage.
⚖️ Legal Update
A federal judge has temporarily blocked parts of the rule.
20 states have filed lawsuits challenging the changes.
👉 What this means for you: Rules could affect eligibility, plan benefits, and enrollment dates. Stay informed and make sure to review your options early for 2026.
We’re here to help you understand your coverage and guide you through the enrollment process.
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