ACA Marketplace Financial Help May Change in 2026

What You Need to Know Before Open Enrollment

 

Some Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance tax credits are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025, unless they are extended by federal legislation. It’s important to be informed as we approach Open Enrollment for 2026, especially if you rely on a Marketplace health plan through Covered California.

How the Change in Enhanced ACA Tax Credits Could Impact You

 

  • Your ACA health insurance premiums for the remainder of 2025 will stay the same.
  • Since 2021, enhanced premium tax credits have increased the financial help available to individuals to pay their Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance premiums.
  • If enhanced premium tax credits are not extended, they will expire on December 31, 2025. 
  • Premium tax credits, also known as subsidies, will still be available in 2026, but the amounts may be lower. This means you could pay more out of pocket for Marketplace coverage. 
  • These changes impact those enrolling in or renewing a Marketplace health insurance plan for 2026 coverage.

 

 

 

Understanding Your 2026 Health Insurance Costs

 

Whether you’re new to the Health Insurance Marketplace or are already enrolled, you’ll receive details about your plan options and premium costs by November 2025. In the meantime, this financial calculator can give you an estimate of your potential 2026 plan costs.

 

Note: Selecting this link will take you away from Anthem’s website. It’s provided for your convenience and does not imply endorsement of the external site.

 

 

 

How Anthem Supports You

 

  • We connect you with quality Marketplace health plans. 
  • We provide tools and offer support to help you determine if you’re eligible for financial help to lower your costs.
  • As participants in the Marketplace, we adhere to federal laws and comply with any changes affecting health coverage.

 

 

Next Steps for You

 

  • If you’re an Anthem Marketplace health plan member, keep an eye out for mail and digital communications from us, as well as from Covered California, as the 2026 Open Enrollment period approaches.
  • Begin gathering income documentation, such as recent pay stubs, W-2s, 1099s, or prior-year tax returns — especially if you’re a freelancer, gig worker, or self-employed contractor with variable income. 
  • If you’ve received ACA tax credits to lower your monthly premium payment, you must file a federal tax return and complete Form 8962: Premium Tax Credit.
  • If you have a Covered California profile, make sure it reflects your current household size, dependent status, and mailing address. These details can impact your eligibility for premium tax credits. 
  • In some states, existing ACA enrollees with a $0 monthly premium are required to provide requested financial documentation for verification of income. Failure to provide documentation may result in a $5 monthly premium charge starting in 2026.
  • Begin reviewing your healthcare needs and budget now so you’re prepared to choose the best plan for your family when Open Enrollment begins. 
  • Visit Covered California during the Open Enrollment Period to find a plan that suits your needs and budget. Anthem is here to assist you, or you can contact your broker.

 

 

Other Factors That Could Impact Your Payments in 2026

 

Your monthly ACA premium is influenced by factors including your age, location, plan type, household income and size (which determines any financial help you may qualify for), and tobacco use. Changes to any of these factors — as well as shifts in medical costs and other changes in the healthcare marketplace — may impact your premium from year to year.

 

 

 

Anthem Is Here to Help

 

We’re here to help guide you through upcoming changes so you can confidently choose the right ACA Marketplace plan for 2026. If you have any questions, you can contact us.

  • Current Anthem members, please call 888-561-7995 (TTY: 711)
  • If you’d like to enroll in an Anthem ACA plan, please call tel
  • If you’re not sure which health plan is right for you, we can help. Just answer a few questions to find your plan.

 

 

Learn More About ACA Health Insurance

 

Feel lost or confused when it comes to health insurance? We’ve gathered a series of helpful articles to answer your questions.

 

Learn about ACA basics 

 

Anthem Blue Cross is the trade name of Blue Cross of California. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.