2026 Arizona Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace Open Enrollment Guide
Get ready for health insurance open enrollment! Open Enrollment for Arizona Marketplace (Affordable Care Act) health insurance runs from November 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026. During this time, Arizona residents can review their current health insurance coverage, compare plans, and enroll for 2026.
This guide explains everything you need to know — from how to qualify for Marketplace subsidies (premium tax credits) to how to choose between Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans that fit your family’s budget and healthcare needs.
When you’re ready to explore your options, you can
use our free AZ Marketplace enrollment form to get personalized help from a licensed Arizona health insurance broker — at no cost to you.
Here's what you'll find on this page:
🗓Key Dates and Deadlines:
Don’t miss important enrollment windows! Learn the Open Enrollment and Special Enrollment Period timelines for 2026 coverage.
💸Subsidy Eligibility and Cost-Sharing Reductions:
See if you qualify for Marketplace financial assistance to lower your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
⚖️Understanding Metal Levels:
Compare Bronze, Silver, and Gold Marketplace plans to find the right balance of cost and coverage for your household.
🏥Arizona's 2026 Marketplace Insurance Carriers:
Get to know the insurance companies offering plans in Arizona and their unique benefits.
🧭Step-by-Step Enrollment Guide:
Follow our simple checklist for applying through the Marketplace — including tips for accurate income estimates and avoiding subsidy repayment.
❓Frequently Asked Questions:
Get clear answers to the most common questions about Arizona Marketplace health plans and Open Enrollment.
Contact AZ Health Insurance Brokers for personalized guidance and support throughout the enrollment process. Our licensed Arizona brokers will walk you through your 2026 Marketplace options, explain your subsidy eligibility, and help you enroll in the plan that best fits your family and budget.
We’re proud to help Arizona individuals, families, and business owners find affordable, reliable coverage every year.
2026 ACA Marketplace Health Insurance Plans in Arizona
Compare 2026 Arizona Marketplace Health Insurance Carriers
Choosing the right Marketplace plan starts with knowing which carriers offer coverage in your area — and how their networks differ.
The table below highlights key differences between Arizona’s 2026 Marketplace health insurance carriers, including plan types, network strengths, and important updates. Use this as a quick reference to compare your options before Open Enrollment begins.
| Carrier | Plan Types Offered | Network Strength / Key Facilities | Strength / Pros | Cons / Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ambetter from Arizona Complete Health | HMO | Contracted with Banner Health and HonorHealth; one of the largest Marketplace networks in Arizona | The one carrier that has network reciprocity in 27 other states. | One of the highest upcoming rate increases for Arizona insurers. |
| Antidote Health | HMO (Virtual-first primary care model) | Contracted with Abrazo and Valleywise; offers virtual-first care with in-person referrals when needed | Affordable entry-level plans with telehealth focus | Newer carrier with smaller network footprint |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) | HMO, Statewide PPO (PPO ending after 2025) Advance Health will be closest to prior PPO plans | BCBS own’s Prosano. Which is an advanced primary care center (prosano network). Also, contracted with HonorHealth and Banner. | Large statewide network and strong brand recognition | PPO options being discontinued for 2026; confirm providers remain in HMO network. Health Choice network requires referrals from PCP. |
| Cigna Healthcare of Arizona | HMO | Contracted with independent Cigna-affiliated hospitals and facilities, including several HonorHealth and Dignity (Only marketplace carrier contracted with Dignity) Contracted with Barrow. | Solid provider access for clients who already use Cigna networks; no referral needed for specialists | Higher premiums compared to other carriers. |
| Imperial Insurance Companies | HMO | Contracted with Phoenix Children’s Hospital; go-to carrier for families who want to stay with Phoenix Children’s providers | Strong choice for pediatric or family-focused coverage. Network is Multiplan network & Imperial (2 networks to freely use… | Limited brand recognition; Some providers show in network and are not (Honorhealth, dignity, & Mayo) |
| Oscar Health | HMO | Contracted with Banner, Honor Health, Abrazo, and Valleywise - largest network in Maricopa county Contracted with Innovation Care Partners | Easy-to-use app and strong member experience; Individualized care team for provider suggestions, referrals or procedures. | Don’t have PCH or Dignity. |
| UnitedHealthcare (UHC) | HMO | Contracted with Banner Health and Abrazo. | Strong national brand, large facility network in Metro Phoenix Fitness club membership through One pass. | PCP automatically assigned and referral to see a specialist …. |
Each Marketplace carrier in Arizona offers something a little different — from Ambetter’s large statewide network to Cigna’s Dignity contracts or Imperial’s focus on Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
Keep in mind that networks and plan designs can change each year, so it’s important to confirm your doctors and prescriptions remain covered for 2026.
If you’d like help comparing which carrier best fits your needs, contact AZ Health Insurance Brokers for personalized Marketplace guidance — we’ll help you confirm in-network providers and make sure you’re getting every subsidy you qualify for.
Marketplace Health Insurance Subsidies aka Premium Tax Credits
Most people in Arizona qualify for ACA Marketplace subsidies, also known as premium tax credits, to help lower the cost of their ACA Marketplace health insurance. In fact, about 90% of ACA Marketplace health insurance enrollees in Arizona receive some level of financial assistance based on their income. Even if you don’t qualify for a subsidy, you can still enroll in an ACA Marketplace health insurance plan.
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs)
If your income falls within 138% to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you may qualify for a Cost-Sharing Reduction (CSR). CSRs provide additional savings on Silver tired plans by lowering your copays, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. If you’re eligible, choosing a Silver plan with a CSR can make a significant difference in your healthcare costs.
Estimating Your Income and Avoiding Subsidy Repayment
When you’re applying for ACA Marketplace subsidies, you’ll need to estimate your adjusted gross income (AGI) for 2026. This can be challenging, especially for self-employed individuals whose incomes may fluctuate each year. It’s crucial to avoid underestimating your income.
Why? Because the actual subsidy amount is calculated based on your AGI when you file your taxes. If you overestimate your income, and it turns out to be lower, you’ll receive the difference as a refund. However, if you underestimate your AGI, you may have to repay some of the premium tax credit.
Understanding Metal Levels in Arizona's Marketplace Health Insurance
Health insurance
plans on the ACA Marketplace are segmented into “metal” levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Each tier offers a different balance of monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Let’s explore the key differences.
Bronze Health Insurance Plans
Bronze ACA Marketplace plans typically have the lowest monthly premiums but the highest deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. Typically, the plan pays 60%, while the insured pays 40%. The deductible is generally high.
What to expect:
- Lower monthly premiums
- Higher deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums
- Copays may apply to primary care physician (PCP) visits, specialist visits, urgent care, outpatient mental health and sometimes bloodwork and physical therapy
- Expenses beyond copays typically apply towards your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum
- Many health savings account (HSA) plans are categorized as Bronze
- Some health insurance plan carriers offer Bronze plans with a $0 deductible, but these may have higher copays. These plans can be a good option if you anticipate an upcoming outpatient procedure
SilveR Health Insurance Plan
Silver ACA Marketplace plans typically offer a balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Typically, the plan pays 70%, while the insured pays 30%. The deductible is generally moderate.
What to expect:
- Higher monthly premiums than Bronze plans
- Lower copays and deductibles than Bronze plans
- Out-of-pocket maximums are usually similar to Bronze plans
- You may qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) based on your income, which can significantly lower your out-of-pocket costs
- Silver plans are the only tier eligible for CSRs
- With Silver with extra savings plans, the plan pays between 73%-96%, while the insured pays for 6%-27%, depending on how much savings the insured qualifies for
- With Silver with extra savings plans, the deductible is generally low
- Silver plans are a popular choice for those who qualify for CSRs or who want lower deductibles compared to Bronze plans
Gold Health Insurance Plans
Gold ACA Marketplace plans typically have the highest monthly premiums but the lowest out-of-pocket costs. Typically, the plan pays 80%, while the insured pays 20%. The deductible is generally low.
What to expect:
- Highest monthly premiums
- Lowest copays, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums
- Gold plans are a good option for people with higher medical needs, those who take expensive medications (Tier 3 or Tier 4) or those who prefer more comprehensive coverage
- Gold plans often cover Tier 3 or Tier 4 medications with a copay or after the deductible is met
The ACA Marketplace also offers Platinum plans, which pay 90%, while the insured pays 10%. The deductible is generally low.
What’s the Difference Between Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) vs. Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO)?
As you browse ACA Marketplace plans, you may see acronyms like HMO and PPO attached to certain plans. These acronyms can affect both how much you pay for a plan, as well as your choice in covered physicians you can see.
Generally, the differences between a health maintenance organization (HMO) and a preferred provider organization (PPO) include:
| Health maintenance organization (HMO) | Preferred provider organization (PPO) |
|---|---|
| Typically lower monthly premiums and lower out-of-pocket costs | Typically higher monthly premiums and higher out-of-pocket costs |
| Requirement to use a primary care physician (PCP), who coordinates care, including specialty care | No PCP requirement |
| PCP must refer in-network specialists | No requirement for a PCP to refer any services |
| No coverage for out-of-network providers, except for true medical emergencies | Able to visit out-of-network providers, though they will require a higher fee and separate deductible |
| No need to file claims | Must file claims for out-of-network provider services |
If you have physicians you want to see, you should check first if a healthcare plan covers them or not. In some cases, this may impact the best choice between an HMO and a PPO.
2 Options for Marketplace Enrollment
AZ Health Insurance Brokers Enrolls You
We make the
ACA Marketplace enrollment process seamless. Fill out our
free form with your information, and we’ll present the best choices based on your budget and healthcare needs. We’ll help you with the enrollment process and be there for guidance whenever you need it.
Enroll in ACA Marketplace Health Insurance on Your Own
We created a step-by-step
guide for enrolling into an ACA Marketplace health insurance plan
on your own.
How to Enroll in ACA Marketplace Health Insurance on Your Own
How to Enroll in ACA Marketplace Health Insurance on Your Own
You can sign up for an ACA Marketplace health insurance plan in minutes. When you sign up for ACA Marketplace health insurance through the
AZ Health Insurance Brokers form, you get a free personalized customer service representative to help with any questions you have and to ensure fast and simple signup. Follow the steps to shop plans and enroll.
2026 Arizona Marketplace FAQ's
Remember, going without health insurance coverage may result in higher out-of-pocket costs for medical care, and you’ll miss out on preventive care benefits. It’s best to enroll during open enrollment or report qualifying life events promptly to avoid gaps in coverage.
If you’ve missed the ACA Marketplace open enrollment deadline, consult with AZ Health Insurance Brokers to explore your options and find the best solution for your situation. Call 602.617.4107 or email info@azhealthinsurancebrokers.com.
