Tomorrow is the final day to sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act in most states. The deadline falls on January 15, 2026, and applies to 30 states using HealthCare.gov, as well as several state-based exchanges.
After tomorrow, Americans who miss the cutoff will not be able to enroll or change plans unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. That includes life events like losing other coverage, getting married, having a baby, or moving to a new state.
Anyone who enrolls by January 15 will have coverage starting February 1, 2026, as long as they select a plan and pay their first premium on time.
The December 15 deadline for January 1 coverage has already passed.
Some states have extended their deadlines beyond January 15. California, Connecticut, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington, DC all offer enrollment through the end of January in most cases. Residents in these states should check their local Marketplace websites like Covered California or GetCoveredIllinois to confirm exact dates.
Other states including New Jersey, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, and Virginia have offered extensions in the past. Residents should visit their state health exchange site to verify current deadlines.
Premiums are higher this year. Enhanced tax credits that made insurance cheaper expired at the end of 2025. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, these subsidies helped millions of Americans afford coverage, often for as little as $10 per month.
Without them, many enrollees are facing steep premium increases in 2026. The “subsidy cliff” has returned, meaning people earning more than 400% of the federal poverty level may no longer qualify for help.
A bipartisan group of senators is negotiating a deal to bring back enhanced subsidies, possibly for two years. Republican Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio said the main issue blocking progress is related to abortion funding and strengthening the Hyde Amendment. Lawmakers hope to reach a framework by the end of January, but no agreement has been finalized.
If a deal passes later, it could allow people to revisit their plans and adjust subsidies retroactively.
Texas has broken enrollment records despite rising costs. As of early January 2026, more than 4.11 million Texans selected ACA plans—up about 6.5% from the same time last year, according to state enrollment data. Experts say strong demand and the lack of Medicaid expansion in Texas are driving sign-ups.
To enroll or check your options:
- Visit HealthCare.gov (for federal states) or your state Marketplace website
- Fill out an application to see if you qualify for premium tax credits
- Compare plans and choose coverage before the deadline
Free help is available through Marketplace navigators and assisters. If you’re uninsured or need to switch plans, act before midnight tomorrow to avoid being locked out until 2027.
