
If you experience a qualifying life event such as marriage, childbirth, or loss of other health coverage, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.
This allows you to change or cancel your plan outside the regular open enrollment period.
To apply for SEP:
- Report the Event: Log in to your Marketplace account and report the qualifying life event.
- Submit Documentation: Provide any required documentation to verify the event.
- Choose a New Plan: Follow the steps to select a new plan or cancel your existing one.
Important Considerations
- Timing: Make sure you are aware of deadlines for open enrollment and special enrollment periods to avoid gaps in coverage.
- Subsidies: If you receive subsidies, changing your plan might affect your subsidy amount. Ensure you understand the financial implications before making changes.
- Coverage Gaps: Plan your changes carefully to avoid any gaps in coverage that could leave you without insurance.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage your ACA health insurance plan to ensure it continues to meet your healthcare needs.
Whether you need to make adjustments due to changes in your life or simply want to explore better options, the Health Insurance Marketplace provides the tools and resources to help you make informed decisions.

Understanding health insurance costs is crucial for informed decision-making. Marketplace plans are categorized into bronze, silver, gold, and platinum levels, each with different premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums.
Subsidies are also available to help reduce premium costs for qualifying individuals and families.
Understanding the cost breakdown and available subsidies helps you choose a plan that fits your budget and healthcare needs.
Premium Costs
For 2026, the median premium increase requested by ACA Marketplace insurers is projected at 7%. Rising healthcare prices, particularly for hospital services, largely drive this increase.
Consider these factors when evaluating premium costs to ensure you select an affordable plan despite rising prices.
Insurance plans are categorized into bronze, silver, gold, and platinum levels, each with different costs. Bronze plans have lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs, while platinum plans have the highest premiums but lowest out-of-pocket costs.
Understanding these differences helps you balance premium costs with out-of-pocket expenses, ensuring necessary coverage without financial strain.
Subsidies help eligible individuals and families reduce their health insurance premiums in the ACA Marketplace. Eligibility depends on factors like income level and household size.
An interactive calculator can estimate your 2026 premium costs and determine subsidy eligibility, aiding informed healthcare coverage decisions.
Applying for subsidies requires completing a healthcare application during the enrollment period. This process ensures that qualifying individuals receive the financial assistance needed to afford their health insurance premiums.
Understanding and utilizing subsidies can significantly lower the cost of premiums, making healthcare more accessible for many families.