The Brief

The Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment period for Obamacare, also known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), for the 2026 plan year begins today.

People looking to enroll in coverage will have until Jan. 15 in most states to find a plan for 2026. To have coverage start on Jan. 1, shoppers will have to make their choice by Dec. 15. Shoppers have until Jan. 15, 2026 to enroll with coverage starting on Feb. 1, 2026.

According to nonprofit health policy organization KFF, formerly known as the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than 24 million people enrolled in individual plans for 2025.

People can buy a new plan with help from income-based tax credits through insurance marketplaces set up in every state. Former President Joe Biden’s administration beefed up that help with e

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