What do I need to do during open-enrollment with an ACA plan?
If you have an ACA plan — either through the Marketplace (on-exchange) or bought directly from an insurer (off-exchange) — it’s tempting to just shrug and hope your coverage magically rolls over. Full disclosure: as the CEO of a company that helps people get ACA coverage, I’ve done exactly that multiple years in a row.
But here’s the thing — you can do better! Before you decide to do nothing, here’s what you need to know. Spoiler alert: “doing nothing” doesn’t always go the way people expect.
What Are On-Exchange Plans?
These are plans purchased through the federal Marketplace (sometimes called “the ACA”) or approved third-party tools like HealthSherpa. If you’re receiving subsidies to lower your monthly premium, you’re on an on-exchange plan.
What to Expect with Auto-Renewal for On-Exchange Plans
Most Marketplace plans will auto-renew, which sounds nice in theory. But there are a few important caveats:
- Premiums, benefits, or network changes: Your “same” plan may look different next year.
- Insurer exits: Some carriers leave the Marketplace, making auto-renewal impossible.
- Subsidy changes: Your premium tax credit depends on your income. If your income has changed and you don’t update it, you could owe money next year.
- 2026 alert: Subsidy extensions may not continue next year, so it’s extra important to check what your premiums will actually be.
Bottom line: If your plan is still offered and nothing else changes, you might get auto-renewed. But read your notices carefully — your coverage may not be exactly the same.
Read more about the differences between On-Exchange and Off-Exchange here.
What are Off-Exchange Plans?
These are plans purchased directly from a health insurer. If you bought your plan straight from the company and aren’t receiving any subsidies, this is probably your plan type.
What to Expect with Auto-Renewal for Off-Exchange Plans
- Insurers usually send a renewal notice with next year’s premium and plan details.
- Some will automatically renew your plan, while others require confirmation. Ignore it, and your coverage could be canceled.
- No subsidies apply, so your cost won’t adjust based on income. On the plus side, that means no surprises at tax time.
Pro tip: Because off-exchange policies are handled differently by each insurer, it’s best to confirm directly with your company how your policy will be treated for 2026.
The Risks of Letting Your Plan Auto-Renew
Even if auto-renewal sounds simple, there are a few potential headaches:
- Premium changes: Your “same” plan could cost more next year.
- Network changes: Your favorite doctor might not be covered.
- Subsidy adjustments: If your income changed and you’re on-exchange, you could owe money.
- Plan discontinuation: If your insurer leaves the Marketplace, auto-renewal won’t happen, and you’ll need to pick a new plan.
This year, in particular, will bring big changes to the Marketplace. Check out this blog to learn what else could shake up health insurance in 2026.
How to Take Control of Your ACA Plan
Don’t leave your health coverage to chance. Here’s how to stay in control:
- Check your renewal notice — yes, really. Don’t skip it.
- Update income and household info if you’re on-exchange.
- Compare your options every year. Even small changes in premiums or deductibles can make another plan a better fit.
- Confirm your doctors are in-network. This is the step most people skip until it’s too late.
- Act before the deadline. Auto-renewal can help, but it shouldn’t be your only plan.
Pro tip: If something doesn’t look right, you can always choose a new health plan for 2026 during Open Enrollment.
