The window to enroll in or change ACA marketplace coverage for 2027 runs November 1 – December 15, 2026. Miss it and you'll wait another year — unless a qualifying life event opens a Special Enrollment Period. Here's everything Arizona residents need to know, including the significant changes affecting 2026 and 2027 coverage.
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Enrollment Calendar
The ACA enrollment calendar runs on a fixed annual cycle. Miss the key deadlines and your coverage options narrow significantly until the next open enrollment period.
What Changed for 2026 & 2027
Several meaningful regulatory and market changes took effect for 2026 — and will carry through into 2027 enrollment decisions. Understanding them before you shop is essential to making the right plan choice.
The enhanced premium tax credits that temporarily extended subsidy eligibility above 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (~$62,600 individual) expired at end of 2025 and were not renewed. For 2026 and 2027: income at or above 400% FPL means zero premium tax credit. One dollar over the threshold eliminates the entire subsidy. Arizonans with income near $55,000–$65,000 must plan carefully — in some cases, legitimate income reduction strategies (retirement contributions, self-employed deduction) can keep income below the cliff and preserve thousands in annual subsidy.
For Medicare enrollees, the Inflation Reduction Act's $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap on Part D prescription drug costs is fully in effect for 2026. The prior "donut hole" coverage gap is eliminated. Arizona Medicare beneficiaries on expensive specialty medications will see significant cost reductions once the cap is reached. This change is relevant to ACA enrollees approaching Medicare eligibility who are factoring prescription drug costs into their coverage planning.
Two carriers reduced their 2026 ACA footprint in Maricopa County, creating network and plan changes for existing enrollees. Auto-renewed plans may have different networks, premiums, and deductibles than the prior year plan. Any Maricopa County ACA enrollee who did not actively verify their 2026 plan during open enrollment should log into healthcare.gov immediately to confirm current coverage details — and actively compare options before 2027 open enrollment rather than relying on auto-renewal.
Federal No-Surprises Act protections — limiting unexpected out-of-network bills for emergency care and certain scheduled procedures — remain fully in effect following resolution of court challenges to the independent dispute resolution process. The IDR process has been updated per CMS guidance. Arizona enrollees retain the right to limit out-of-network cost-sharing to in-network levels for covered services at in-network facilities, regardless of provider network status.
Legislation to restore some form of enhanced subsidies above the 400% FPL threshold has been discussed in Congress but had not passed as of early 2026. If enhanced subsidies are reinstated before or during 2027 open enrollment, the value calculation for Arizonans with income above $62,600 changes significantly. Monitor this space before locking in 2027 enrollment decisions — a licensed broker tracks these developments and can advise on timing if legislation passes during the enrollment window.
Cost-sharing reduction benefits — available only on Silver plans for enrollees between 100%–250% FPL — remain unchanged for 2026 and are expected to continue for 2027. At 150% FPL, a Silver plan's deductible may be as low as $150 vs. the standard $7,500+. CSR benefits are not available on Bronze, Gold, or Platinum plans regardless of income. For Arizonans in the qualifying income range, Silver + CSR remains the highest-value option on the marketplace by a significant margin.
Open Enrollment Checklist
Check off items as you complete them. This checklist covers everything from gathering documents to verifying your enrollment confirmation.
Plan Metal Tiers
Outside Open Enrollment?
Qualifying life events trigger a 60-day Special Enrollment Period during which you can enroll in or change marketplace coverage regardless of open enrollment timing.
Involuntary loss of employer-sponsored health insurance — including voluntarily leaving a job to go self-employed — triggers a SEP. Covers both the employee and enrolled dependents.
60-day SEP from date of lossGetting married triggers a SEP for both spouses. Divorce or legal separation that results in loss of coverage also triggers a SEP for the person losing coverage.
60-day SEP from event dateAdding a child to your family triggers a SEP. Notably, the SEP for birth, adoption, or foster placement allows retroactive coverage to the date of the event.
60-day SEP from event dateMoving to a new zip code or county that has different plan options available triggers a SEP. Applies to moves from outside the U.S. and moves to or from coverage areas where marketplace plans are available.
60-day SEP from move dateArizona residents who lose AHCCCS (Medicaid) eligibility due to income increase or other changes qualify for a SEP to enroll in marketplace coverage. This is a common transition for self-employed workers whose income rises.
60-day SEP from loss of MedicaidGaining citizenship or immigration status, leaving incarceration, and certain other events also qualify. Income changes that affect subsidy eligibility do not by themselves trigger a SEP — but do allow you to update your subsidy amount on an existing plan.
Varies by event typeCommon Questions
Brokers get overwhelmed in December. The best plan comparisons happen in early November when there's time to check networks, verify formularies, and model your 2027 total cost accurately. A licensed Arizona broker contacts you within 1 business day — free, no obligation.
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