When is it?
The Open Enrollment Period for the ACA Marketplace/HealthCare.gov (aka Obamacare) is November 1, 2025 to January 15, 2026. There are two due dates: If you enroll by December 15, your coverage starts January 1. Enroll December 16 – January 15 and your healthcare start date is February 1, 2026.
What is it?
It’s a limited time period to get health coverage for the coming year. During Open Enrollment, anyone who is eligible can sign up for health care coverage. This especially applies to you if you aren’t eligible for Medicaid or you don’t have employer insurance.
There’s only ONE website
In Michigan, the only place where you can purchase your own health plan with the consumer protections of The Affordable Care Act (and you want those protections) is HealthCare.gov (o CuidadoDeSalud.gov en español). Beware of websites that seem similar to HealthCare.gov, scammers, and fraudsters.
Costs are going up for 2026
This year, 2026 Marketplace plans are less affordable. There are two reasons:
- Health insurance is more expensive. Health insurance companies raised the price of insurance by 18% or more this year.
- Your costs are increasing because enhanced tax credits are set to expire at the end of 2025. Enhanced tax credits increased the amount the federal government paid and reduced the amount you paid. For health care coverage in 2026, the tax credits are lower and your costs are higher.
There is still a chance that the extra savings will be extended in 2026 but Congress and the president are in control of that decision. Make sure to keep checking to see if the extra savings are extended.
Check HealthCare.gov’s Low Cost page to see if your income level qualifies you for savings on Marketplace premiums, or if you might qualify for Medicaid or MIChild (CHIP). You won’t need an account or to give more of your personal information to find out.
Molina Marketplace plans are no longer available in Michigan
Molina has ended its contract with the Michigan ACA Marketplace effective January 1, 2026. If you had a Molina health plan during 2025, your coverage for 2026 is changing.
If you do nothing, HealthCare.gov will automatically enroll you in a plan they deem similar to the one you had. You’ll be covered, but the new coverage and costs may not work for you. Log in to your HealthCare.gov account and check your 2026 plan as soon as possible. Pick a new plan if you need to. If you need help picking a plan, help is available. Contact us at Washtenaw Health Project, find a local assister (free and unbiased help–WHP does not recommend using an agent or broker), or call HealthCare.gov 24/7 for help.
Change your plan before the deadlines
If you already have a plan from the Marketplace and you haven’t checked your coverage for next year, log in to your HealthCare.gov account as soon as possible and make sure that the plan you’re signed up for works for you.
If you adjust your coverage before December 15, the changes will go into effect January 1.
The last day to make any changes to your 2026 coverage is January 15. Adjustments made to your plan from December 16 – January 15 take effect February 1. In that case, for the month of January, you’ll have the coverage in which you were auto-enrolled–and you’ll be responsible for the costs for that month, too.
Health plans (and your health) change year-to-year
Health plans, what they cover, and what they cost change year-to-year. This may especially be the case for you in 2026 given the changes happening in the government.
You also might have different health needs for the coming year. Maybe you want to add dental and finally get those teeth cleaned, or you’re planning to have a baby and need to make sure your check-ups and delivery will be affordable. Maybe you’d like a plan with a lower mental health counseling copay, or there’s a doctor or medication you’d like to try and you need a plan they accept.
Get the most you can out of your health coverage. Get your checklist ready so you know exactly what you’re looking for when you pick a plan.
What if I miss the deadlines?
The last day to get health coverage for 2026 is January 15. If you don’t make the January 15 deadline, you’ll have to qualify for a special enrollment period to enroll.
As always, check if your employer offers affordable coverage, and remember, Medicaid enrollment is always open.
Before you sign up, check out these posts:
- Do you need health coverage from the Health Insurance Marketplace? Ask yourself these 3 questions.
- Information needed for a Marketplace application
Other health coverage options
You can always apply for Medicaid.
Anytime during the year you become eligible, you can apply for Medicaid. No qualifying events, no special enrollment periods. Check your income here and apply here. As always, if you have questions, call us at 734-544-3030 or send us a message.
Employer Insurance – Enrollment varies
If you are offered health insurance through your job, chances are your open enrollment period is in the fall with a January 1 start date. Some employers (schools, universities, businesses with fiscal years based on other calendars) may have open enrollment during other times of the year.
Evaluate your options every year.
Each year your employer negotiates new benefit packages with health, dental and vision insurance companies. Your open enrollment may also include retirement options, disability and life insurance. When it comes time to evaluate your options make sure to look at each plan. If you don’t understand the details of a benefit, contact your Human Resources department and ask the to explain it to you. Here are some tips for thinking about your particular family and your how you use your health insurance.
- How much health care do you expect to use?
- What is my deductible? What is my maximum out of pocket?
- Is my employer insurance affordable? Do I have another option?
If you have questions, if you need assistance with the application or if you need help with the whole thing, please call or email the Washtenaw Health Project and make an appointment. We can also answer questions over the phone. Call us at 734-544-3030. Email whp@washtenaw.org. The sooner you call, the better!
Medicare Open Enrollment – Oct. 15 to Dec. 7
Medicare is for seniors (65+) and people with disabilities who are receiving Social Security. Medicare has an open enrollment period from October 15-December 7 each year. If you need assistance with comparing Medicare supplement, advantage and Part D plans, please contact the Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) to speak with a trained volunteer who can assist you. Call 1-800-803-7174 or visit https://mmapinc.org/ to make an appointment.
Where else can I find help?
Assisters
If you are not in Southeast Michigan, search for an assister in your area on HealthCare.gov’s website. Assisters are certified to help you with coverage. They are required to do so free and cannot sway you to make a decision based on their personal interest. Washtenaw Health Project does not recommend working with an agent or broker. Agents/brokers collect a commission from an insurance company for signing you up, so they may not have your best interest in mind.
Federally Qualified Health Centers
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are in most cities and many rural areas. They will help you, even if you have no health insurance. You pay what you can afford, based on your income.
Most FQHCs have someone who can help you sign up for coverage if you are not insured. HRSA (the Health Resources and Service Administration) has a health center locator tool where you can search for a health center by address, state, or county.
Your hospital system’s financial assistance department
All hospitals have a financial assistance department to help patients with bills. In Washtenaw County, the two hospital systems are Michigan Medicine and Trinity Health.
Contact us for help
If you have questions, if you need assistance with the application or if you need help with the whole thing, please call or email the Washtenaw Health Project and make an appointment. We can also answer questions over the phone. Call us at 734-544-3030. Email whp@washtenaw.org. The sooner you call, the better!