ACA Marketplace plans are health care plans that people can buy on their own, rather than through an employer or another government-run program, like Medicare or Medicaid. You might also hear these plans called Exchange plans or Individual & Family plans. The health care Marketplace (also called the Exchange) is where ACA health care plans are sold. 

You can change your plan during the annual open enrollment period (OEP), which typically runs from November 1 to January 15 in most states. You may be able to change your ACA Marketplace plan outside of the open enrollment period if you have a qualifying life event (like turning 26, getting married or having a baby) and qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. 

There are 2 big changes for ACA Marketplace plans for 2026: 

• Year-round open enrollment is ending: Regardless of your income, if you want coverage for 2026, you’ll need to enroll during open enrollment (November 1 to January 15, in most states). Outside of this time frame, you’ll have to prove you had a qualifying life event, like getting married or losing coverage from a spouse or employer plan, to sign up.
• Enhanced subsidy decisions are still pending: The federal government shutdown ended on November 12, 2025, with no decision on enhanced subsidies for 2026. Both houses of Congress need to agree on the extension of enhanced subsidies for it to pass into law. At this time, it is not clear when or if they will decide to extend the enhanced subsidies you've had in the past or offer subsidies under different guidelines.