ACA Open Enrollment for 2026 runs from November 1, 2025, through January 15, 2026.
To start coverage on January 1, 2026, submit your application by December 15, 2025. Applications submitted between December 16, 2025, and January 15, 2026, generally start on February 1, 2026.
If you need a replacement plan, or you’re enrolling for the first time, you can still compare options and estimate costs before you apply. Contact us today to get the assistance you need to meet the Affordable Care Act (ACA) deadline.
Who is affected by the open enrollment deadline?
- Anyone who received a notice that a current plan won’t continue in 2026.
- People whose doctors, prescriptions, or costs have changed and want to make sure the plan still fits.
- First-time Marketplace applicants who are comparing options for the new year.
What the dates actually mean for your start date
Think of December 15 as the cut-off for a January 1 start. If you apply from December 16 through January 15, your coverage generally begins February 1. You can preview plans, check estimated costs, and then apply on the official Health Insurance Marketplace® site (HealthCare.gov).
If your plan won’t continue in 2026
Carrier notices arrive for a variety of reasons (product updates, service-area changes, and more). Use Open Enrollment to select a 2026 option so you avoid a gap. We can walk through how networks, formularies, and out-of-pocket limits compare so you understand the trade-offs before you submit your application.
How do we help you meet the ACA deadline?
As a local agency for Florida Blue (an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association), we can explain Florida Blue options offered through the Marketplace and answer general questions about plan types and estimated costs.
Applications are completed on HealthCare.gov. If you’d like to talk things through first, contact Bay Insurance to speak with a licensed representative for general guidance.
Talk with a Licensed Representative* We provide general information to help consumers understand ACA Marketplace coverage. Applications and enrollments are completed through HealthCare.gov. We are not the government and do not represent any government agency. Plan availability and savings depend on household details, eligibility, and location. If you have Medicare, you’re not eligible to enroll in Marketplace medical or dental plans.