Overview
- CMS reports 22.8 million ACA plan selections for 2026 in an early snapshot, roughly 1.4–1.5 million below last year and covering sign-ups through Jan. 3 on HealthCare.gov and late December on state exchanges.
- Enhanced premium tax credits expired Dec. 31, pushing 2026 costs higher; KFF estimates average premiums would more than double without restored aid.
- The House passed a three-year extension of the enhanced credits on Jan. 8, and the measure now faces an uncertain path in the Senate as President Donald Trump has suggested he might veto it.
- States and insurers expect additional attrition when first bills are due, with several exchanges reporting more people dropping coverage or shifting to higher-deductible bronze plans.
- Operating its own exchange for the first time, Illinois moved its open-enrollment deadline to Jan. 31 for Feb. 1 coverage, citing state flexibility to extend access and consumer support.