Overview
- Open enrollment for 2026 marketplace coverage runs Nov. 1 to Jan. 15, with a Dec. 15 cutoff for plans that start Jan. 1.
- Insurers’ pre-subsidy rates are up broadly — averaging about 26% nationwide and roughly 30% in federal-exchange states — driven by higher medical and drug costs and some market exits.
- Negotiations over extending the enhanced premium tax credits remain unresolved during the federal shutdown, with Democrats pressing to tie an extension to reopening and Republicans calling for funding first.
- KFF estimates subsidized enrollees’ monthly payments would rise about 114% on average if the enhanced credits lapse, and the CBO projects roughly 3.8 million more people would become uninsured each year.
- States report varied impacts — Kentucky cites a 37% jump — and experts say many consumers may delay selecting plans or switch coverage, though low-income shoppers in places like Texas can still find very low-cost options.