Covered California Opens 2026 Enrollment Amid Federal Tax Credit Uncertainty

Covered California has commenced its open enrollment period for 2026 health insurance coverage amid uncertainty over the fate of enhanced federal premium tax credits, which have significantly improved affordability and driven record enrollment nationwide. These tax credits, expanded since 2021 to include middle-income consumers, are set to expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress acts, potentially causing monthly premiums to nearly double for over 1.7 million Californians who currently receive financial assistance. Covered California emphasizes its extensive network of experts and enrollers to help consumers navigate plan options during this period running through January 31, 2026. Similarly, Georgia Access has opened its 2026 enrollment, urging residents to compare plans and utilize available resources despite anticipated premium increases tied to subsidy uncertainties. Both programs highlight the critical role of subsidies in maintaining coverage affordability and warn that without federal extensions, state-level assistance and penalties for uninsured individuals will come into greater focus. Overall, millions of Americans continue to rely on these marketplace plans as the enrollment periods begin amid significant policy uncertainty.