Open Enrollment 2026: Don’t Auto-Renew Your Marketplace Plan Without Reviewing These Big Changes

Marketplace health insurance is changing for 2026. Premiums are rising about 20%, Aetna is leaving the Marketplace, and enhanced COVID-era subsidies are ending. Before you auto-renew, get a free plan review at OptimacIns.com to be sure your coverage still fits your needs.

Open Enrollment starts November 1, and this year brings major shifts. If you let your Marketplace plan auto-renew, you could face higher premiums, reduced subsidies, and coverage changes you didn’t expect. Before you roll into 2026, take a few minutes to make sure your plan still fits your needs and budget.

Premiums Are Rising. Many Around 20 Percent

Recent filings show that the average Marketplace premium is increasing by roughly 20 percent for 2026. If your plan was $800 per month last year, it could jump to $950–$1,000 even without any benefit changes.

This is one of the biggest across-the-board increases we’ve seen in years, and it’s catching many families off guard.

Aetna Is Leaving the Marketplace

If you currently have an Aetna Marketplace plan, you’ll need to select a new plan during Open Enrollment. Aetna is exiting the Marketplace for 2026, meaning your coverage won’t automatically renew with them.

If you don’t take action, your plan could automatically map to another carrier with different networks and drug lists, which could mean:

• Your primary doctor is no longer in network

• Your prescriptions move to higher-cost tiers or are no longer covered

• You face higher out-of-pocket costs

Don’t wait until January to find out your doctor or pharmacy isn’t covered. Let’s look at your options now.

COVID-Era Subsidies Are Ending

The enhanced subsidies created during the pandemic are set to expire in 2026. That means the extra help many families received to lower their premiums is going away unless Congress extends it again.

For many households, this could mean a significant jump in out-of-pocket costs, even if your income hasn’t changed.

How the Federal Poverty Level Affects Your Subsidy

Subsidy eligibility is based on your household income as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). When the enhanced COVID-era subsidies end, the older income limits return.

• If your income is above roughly 400% of the FPL, you may lose your subsidy entirely.

• If you’re in the middle-income range, your share of the premium will increase.

• Families who were just barely receiving assistance could see a big change in what they owe each month.

This shift could make some private PPO options more attractive for higher-income households who no longer qualify for subsidies.

Don’t Let the Marketplace Auto-Renew You

Auto-renewal might sound convenient, but it can cost you more in the long run. Plans change networks, drug lists, and pricing every year. Before you renew, double-check that your plan still covers:

• Your preferred doctors and hospitals

• Your current prescriptions

• Your expected medical needs and your budget

A five-minute review now can save you hundreds (or even thousands) next year.

Get a Free Plan Review Before You Renew

I can help families compare their current coverage with new options so they can find the right plan and avoid costly surprises. I’ll check your doctors, prescriptions, and available plans, and if needed, we’ll explore private PPO options that may offer stronger networks or lower out-of-pocket costs.

Schedule your free plan review today at OptimacIns.com or go directly to the appointment page to reserve your time.

Let’s make sure you start 2026 with a plan that actually fits your needs, not just the same one by default.