ACA Deadlines! What You Need to Know & What You Don’t Want to Miss

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has opened the door for millions of Americans to access quality, affordable health insurance. But every opportunity comes with a deadline—and missing an ACA deadline could mean going without coverage or facing a penalty. Whether you’re applying for the first time or re-enrolling, understanding these key dates is crucial.

Here's everything you need to know about your ACA health insurance to have an explosive start to 2026.

💡 Key ACA Open Enrollment Deadlines for 2026

1. Open Enrollment Period (OEP): 🗓 Starts: November 1, 2025 🗓 Ends: January 15, 2026 

• This is the main window to enroll in a Marketplace plan for 2026. If you miss it, your options may be limited unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

2. Coverage Start Dates:

• Enroll by December 15, 2025: Your coverage starts January 1, 2026.

• Enroll between December 16 and January 15: Coverage begins February 1, 2026.

🚨 What You Don’t Want to Miss

✅ Premium Savings

If your income falls within certain limits, you may qualify for subsidies—also known as Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs)—to lower your monthly premium. You must apply through the Marketplace and provide income estimates for 2026.

✅ Plan Comparison

Plans and premiums change every year. Even if you're already enrolled, it's important to review your options annually. You might find a better plan that saves money or includes more providers or benefits.

✅ Updating Your Information

Major life changes—like income, household size, or address—can impact your eligibility. Update your application during open enrollment or as soon as changes occur.

⏳ What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

If you don’t enroll by January 15, you generally can’t get 2025 coverage unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to events such as:

• Losing other coverage

• Getting married or divorced

• Having a baby or adopting a child

• Moving to a new ZIP code

• Turning 26 and aging off a parent’s plan

🧭 Tips for Staying Ahead

• Set calendar reminders for key dates.

• Gather necessary documents ahead of time (proof of income, Social Security numbers, current insurance info).

• Work with Lion's Pride Insurance agents, who will help with applying for or comparing plans.

• Don’t auto-renew blindly—plans and prices change!

🙋 Need Help Navigating ACA Enrollment?

As licensed health insurance advisors, we’re here to simplify the process. Whether you’re looking for the lowest premium, the best provider network, or just want peace of mind knowing you're covered—we can help.

Simplified health insurance, because we've been there.