Arizona ACA Premium Jumping? What Changed for 2027
Open enrollment for 2027 Marketplace coverage in Arizona runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. The bigger story is the income cap on tax credits, which came back in 2026. Here is what that means for your renewal.
Key takeaways
- Arizona uses HealthCare.gov. Open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027; enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1.
- The enhanced premium tax credits expired at the end of 2025. For 2026 coverage, credits generally stop above 400% of the federal poverty level: $62,600 for a single person and $84,600 for a couple.
- As of mid-October 2026, a House-passed extension had not become law. Confirm the rules for 2027 on HealthCare.gov when window shopping opens.
- Arizona expanded Medicaid, so adults with income up to 138% of the poverty level generally qualify for AHCCCS instead of a Marketplace credit.
- If you let your plan auto-renew, your 2027 premium and your tax credit can both change without you doing anything. Log in and check before December 15.
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The short answer: the open enrollment calendar for Arizona looks the way it has for several years, November 1 through January 15 on HealthCare.gov, but the money behind it does not. The extra tax credit help that capped premiums for higher earners ended on December 31, 2025, and the old income limit returned for 2026 coverage.
For many Chandler and East Valley households earning a little over four times the poverty level, that meant going from a modest monthly premium to the full sticker price. For households below that line, credits continued, though usually smaller than they were.
This guide walks through the 2027 dates, the income lines that decide whether you get help, why an automatic renewal is riskier this year, and what to have ready before you sit down to compare plans.
When is ACA open enrollment for 2027 in Arizona?
Open enrollment for 2027 Marketplace coverage in Arizona runs from November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027, through HealthCare.gov. To have coverage start on January 1, 2027, you need to enroll or change plans by December 15, 2026. Enroll between December 16 and January 15 and coverage starts February 1.
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open enrollment starts. First day to enroll, renew or change plans for 2027. |
| December 15, 2026 | Last day to enroll or change plans for coverage starting January 1, 2027. |
| January 15, 2027 | Open enrollment ends. Coverage chosen after December 15 starts February 1. |
| After January 15, 2027 | You need a Special Enrollment Period, such as losing other coverage, moving or a change in household. |
What changed with ACA tax credits?
The enhanced premium tax credits that began in 2021 expired on December 31, 2025. Those enhancements did two things: they lowered the share of income people were expected to pay toward a benchmark Silver plan, and they removed the income ceiling, so households above 400% of the poverty level could still get help if premiums were high relative to income.
With the enhancements gone, the original Affordable Care Act rules apply again for 2026 coverage. Tax credits are generally available to households with income from 100% to 400% of the federal poverty level who do not have access to affordable employer coverage or other qualifying coverage. Above 400%, the credit drops to zero. That drop is what people mean by the subsidy cliff.
On January 8, 2026, the U.S. House passed a three-year extension of the enhanced credits. As of mid-October 2026, we could not confirm that any extension had passed the Senate and become law. Because Congress can still act, check HealthCare.gov for the rules that apply to 2027 coverage before you choose a plan, and treat any 2027 estimate as an estimate until the Marketplace shows your figures.
Through 2025 (enhanced credits)
- No upper income limit for a tax credit
- Expected contribution capped at 8.5% of income for higher earners
- Many lower-income households paid $0 for a benchmark Silver plan
2026 coverage (original rules)
- Credits generally stop above 400% of the poverty level
- Higher expected contribution at every income level
- Credits still follow local prices, so they vary by county and age
Where is the 400% income line for my household?
For 2026 coverage, 400% of the federal poverty level is $62,600 for one person and $84,600 for a household of two. The Marketplace uses the poverty guidelines published in the January before the coverage year, so 2026 coverage uses the 2025 guidelines. The 2027 lines will use the 2026 guidelines, which HealthCare.gov will apply when you update your application.
| Household size | 100% of poverty level | 138% (AHCCCS line for adults) | 400% (top of tax credit range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,650 | $21,597 | $62,600 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $29,187 | $84,600 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $36,777 | $106,600 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $44,367 | $128,600 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $51,957 | $150,600 |
Household size means the people on your federal tax return, not everyone under your roof. Income means modified adjusted gross income, which starts with adjusted gross income from your tax return and adds back a few items such as untaxed foreign income, tax-exempt interest and the untaxed part of Social Security benefits.
Why is auto-renewal riskier this year?
Auto-renewal keeps you covered, but it does not keep your costs the same. If you do nothing, HealthCare.gov generally re-enrolls you in the same plan or a similar one for 2027, using the income information it has on file. Your plan's 2027 premium, deductible, network and drug list may all have changed, and so may your tax credit.
- Out-of-date income. If your income rose or fell in 2026, the credit you receive in advance may be wrong. Too much credit gets repaid at tax time; too little means you overpay each month.
- Plans that change or leave. Carriers can redesign or discontinue a plan. If yours is discontinued you may be mapped to a different plan with different doctors.
- A shifting benchmark. Your credit is tied to the second-lowest cost Silver plan in your area. When that plan's price moves, your credit moves with it, even if your income does not.
- Doctors and hospitals. Networks in the Phoenix area change from year to year. Confirm your doctors by name for 2027.
What if my income is too low for a tax credit?
In Arizona, adults with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level generally qualify for AHCCCS, the state Medicaid program, rather than a Marketplace tax credit. Children and pregnant people can qualify at higher incomes through AHCCCS and KidsCare. When you apply on HealthCare.gov, the application screens for AHCCCS and sends your information to the state if you appear eligible.
Between 100% and 250% of the poverty level, it is worth looking closely at Silver plans. Cost-sharing reductions, which lower deductibles and copays, are only available on Silver plans and only at those incomes. A Bronze plan can look cheaper per month and still cost you more if you use care.
How do I get ready for open enrollment?
- Estimate your 2027 income. Start with your most recent tax return and adjust for raises, job changes, retirement or self-employment.
- List your doctors and prescriptions. Include specialists and the hospital you would use, and the exact name and dose of each drug.
- Gather your household details. Names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers for everyone on your tax return who needs coverage, plus any employer coverage offers.
- Log in after November 1. Update your application, then compare total yearly cost (premiums plus likely out-of-pocket costs), not premium alone.
- Decide by December 15 if you want the new plan to start on January 1.
For official forms and videos, see our resources page, or check the events calendar for upcoming sessions.
The bottom line
Open enrollment for 2027 in Arizona runs November 1 to January 15, with December 15 as the date that matters for a January 1 start. The tax credit rules are tighter than they were through 2025, with the 400% income line back in place for 2026 coverage. Update your income, check your doctors and drugs, and compare total yearly cost before you let a plan renew.
Frequently asked questions
When is open enrollment for 2027 health insurance in Arizona?
November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov. Enroll by December 15, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1, 2027.
Did the extra ACA subsidies end?
Yes. The enhanced premium tax credits expired on December 31, 2025. For 2026 coverage, credits generally stop above 400% of the federal poverty level. As of mid-October 2026, an extension had passed the House but had not become law, so confirm the 2027 rules on HealthCare.gov.
What is 400% of the poverty level for 2026 coverage?
$62,600 for one person, $84,600 for two, $106,600 for three and $128,600 for four, based on the 2025 HHS poverty guidelines.
What happens if I do nothing during open enrollment?
HealthCare.gov will generally renew you into the same or a similar plan using the information on file. Your premium, tax credit, network and drug list may change, so it pays to log in and review.
Sources
- HealthCare.gov: Dates and deadlines HealthCare.gov
- HHS Poverty Guidelines U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- HealthCare.gov: Lower costs on health insurance HealthCare.gov
- HealthCare.gov: Cost-sharing reductions HealthCare.gov
- AHCCCS: Apply for AHCCCS health insurance Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System
Please note: Rise Up Benefits Group is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operating on behalf of HealthCare.gov, the Health Insurance Marketplace, or any federal or state government agency. Plan availability, premiums and advance premium tax credits are set by the carriers and the Marketplace.Estimates only. Figures on this page use published plan-year values and the details you enter. They are not a quote, an offer of coverage, or a determination of eligibility. Your final premium and any tax credit are confirmed at enrollment with the carrier or HealthCare.gov. This article is general information, not medical, tax or legal advice.
