The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is getting its biggest update in years. Starting in 2026, new rules will change how premiums, out-of-pocket limits, and eligibility for financial help are calculated. For millions of Americans, understanding these changes can help them avoid unexpected costs or coverage gaps.
Cigna will no longer offer Marketplace plans in 2026. If you are currently enrolled in a Cigna Marketplace plan, please contact us as soon as possible at 1-888-465-9994 to ensure your healthcare coverage continues without interruption.
This article breaks down:
- The key ACA changes for 2026
- How these shifts affect premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and tax credits
- Steps to prepare before new rules start
- How insurance advisors such as Skynet Brokers can help
The ACA Continues to Evolve
Since 2014, the ACA—often called Obamacare—has expanded access to health coverage, built the Health Insurance Marketplace, and adjusted to rising medical costs and new care models. The 2026 updates introduce several policy and cost changes affecting every enrollee.
What’s changing in 2026:
- Higher out-of-pocket maximums: up to $10,600 for individuals and $21,200 for families (from $9,200 and $18,400 in 2025)
- Increased premiums: driven by the expiration of COVID-era tax credits. The tax credits established in 2020 have expired for 2025, resulting in higher premiums.
- Tax credit eligibility changes: some lawfully present immigrants below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may be ineligible if they have lived in the U.S. fewer than five years
- No more repayment caps: limits on how much enrollees must repay for premium tax credits are ending, which could result in unexpected tax bills from mid-year income changes
- Expanded HSA eligibility: bronze and catastrophic Marketplace plans will qualify as high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), making them compatible with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
- Broader telehealth access: HSA-linked HDHPs will cover telehealth before deductibles are met
- Enrollment tightening: year-round enrollment for people under 150% of the FPL will end, and coverage changes will require a qualifying life event
- Income verification: some states will require proof of income for $0 premium plans, with possible repayment if verification isn’t submitted
Note: Details may evolve before 2026. Confirm final rules and plan specifics during Open Enrollment.
What It Means for You
Most Marketplace participants will keep their coverage, but these updates affect what enrollees pay out of pocket and how financial assistance is calculated.
Out-of-pocket costs are rising:
Higher maximums mean policyholders pay more before benefits begin. For those on high-deductible plans, this threshold grows by more than $1,000—a reminder that “affordable” coverage demands careful budgeting.
Tax credit repayment risk increases:
With repayment limits ending, families whose income rises mid-year will likely owe more at tax time. Tracking earnings throughout the year becomes crucial.
HSA eligibility expands:
The new rule making all bronze and catastrophic plans HSA-compatible gives consumers a tax-free way to save for medical expenses. This helps consumers on high-deductible plans grow long-term healthcare savings.
Stricter enrollment periods:
The end of year-round enrollment for those under 150% of the FPL puts more weight on open enrollment. Unless you experience a qualifying event—marriage, birth, or loss of coverage—you’ll need to wait for the next period to adjust your plan.
In short, ACA coverage will remain a reliable safety net but navigating it now takes more awareness and planning than before.
Get Prepared for 2026
You may not need to make changes in your healthcare coverage today, but knowing what’s ahead will help you plan confidently. Here are a few ways to prepare for the upcoming ACA changes:
- Review your income and household size: these determine subsidy eligibility and tax credits
- Know your plan limits: adjust your budget for increased out-of-pocket maximums
- Consider an HSA: if you rarely meet your deductible, an HSA-eligible plan lets you save tax-free money for future medical expenses
- Track enrollment dates: year-round enrollment exceptions are ending, so missing the open enrollment window could leave you uninsured
- Keep documents ready: if your state adds income verification for $0-premium plans, have recent pay stubs or tax forms on hand
These small steps can help save time, money, and stress once the ACA changes take hold.
Why Expert Help Matters
The 2026 ACA updates are coming and will soon affect what you pay. Comparing plans, tax credits, and HSA options takes time—and getting it wrong can cost money.
Skynet Brokers helps individuals and families navigate the ACA Marketplace with clarity and confidence. Our licensed agents monitor every rule change, explain eligibility, and guide consumers through plan choices to match real budgets and health needs.
As 2026 approaches, having a knowledgeable partner can make the difference between confusion and confidence.
Conclusion
The ACA still anchors affordable health coverage for millions of Americans. Despite the changes coming in 2026, the ACA’s purpose to ensure access to care and protection from catastrophic costs remains the same.
By understanding the coming changes, planning early, and working with trusted experts, you can make these updates work in your favor.
For personalized help, contact Skynet Brokers at 1-888-465-9994 or info@skynetbrokers.com. Our licensed experts can walk you through every step toward smarter, steadier coverage.
