Enrollment Opens for 2026 Obamacare Plans Amid Rising Costs
The open enrollment period for the 2026 health coverage under the Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as Obamacare, has officially begun. Americans can now visit HealthCare.gov to compare different plans and enroll for coverage. To ensure that coverage starts on January 1, 2026, individuals must complete their enrollment by December 15, 2025. Enrollment remains available until January 15, 2026, although plans selected after the December deadline will commence later.
Consumers might find that the cost of premiums is increasing significantly this year. According to an analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), insurers are raising their prices by an average of 26% for plans offered in 2026. This increase follows a trend observed in previous years and raises concerns about affordability for many enrollees.
Impact of Tax Credits on Premium Costs
The potential rise in monthly payments could be even more pronounced if the extension of expanded tax credits is not secured. KFF estimates that without these tax credits, monthly payments could surge by an average of 114%. The discussion surrounding these tax credits is currently a pivotal point in the ongoing government shutdown.
Democratic lawmakers are advocating for the extension of these subsidies, while Republicans have expressed a willingness to negotiate but insist that the government must be reopened before any agreements can be reached.
As of now, approximately 24 million Americans are enrolled in Affordable Care Act plans, which are accessible through both the federal marketplace and state-run exchanges. The importance of these plans is underscored by the financial implications for millions of families across the country.
Resources and Ongoing Coverage
To assist consumers in navigating these changes, KFF has developed an online calculator. This tool allows users to input their ZIP code to gauge their potential costs for the upcoming year, both with and without the expanded tax credits.
In the coming week, Scripps News will provide detailed coverage on the implications of these changes, including a series titled “Premium Pain” set to air starting on Monday at 9 a.m. ET. This series aims to prepare consumers for the upcoming enrollment period and the financial challenges they may face.
