2026 Arizona Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace Open Enrollment Guide
Open Enrollment runs November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026. This page is your one-stop guide to compare Arizona Marketplace plans, check your eligibility for savings, and enroll with free, local help from AZ Health Insurance Brokers.
Need a hand? Get personalized guidance at no cost — we’ll confirm your doctors, prescriptions, and the best-value plan for your family.
What’s new for 2026
- Banner|Aetna exits the Marketplace (plans end December 31, 2025).
- Cigna and Oscar expand their network presence in Maricopa County.
- Average rates rose 28–35% statewide across Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers.
- Enhanced premium tax credits are set to expire after 2025 unless renewed by Congress.
- Benefits reset January 1, 2026 — check your doctors and prescriptions to make sure they’re still covered.
Get started today! Contact AZ Health Insurance Brokers for personalized guidance and support throughout the enrollment process. We’re here to help you find the perfect health insurance plan for you and your family.
Key dates & deadlines (tight version)
- Nov 1, 2025: Open Enrollment starts
- Dec 15, 2025: Last day for
Jan 1, 2026 start
- Jan 15, 2026: Open Enrollment ends (coverage starts
Feb 1, 2026 if you enroll Dec 16–Jan 15)
- Special Enrollment: 60 days for qualifying life events (move, birth/adoption, loss of coverage, marriage/divorce, etc.)
Who Qualifies for Savings
Many Arizonans qualify for premium tax credits that lower monthly premiums, and some qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) that lower deductibles and copays on Silver plans.
Your savings depend on household size, income, age, and ZIP code.
Metal Levels Explained (Quick Overview)
- Bronze: Lowest monthly premiums, highest out-of-pocket costs. Best for “just-in-case” coverage or HSA-eligible plans.
- Silver: Mid-range premiums and out-of-pocket costs. The only tier eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) — great for moderate-income families.
- Gold: Higher premiums, lowest out-of-pocket costs. Best for frequent care, ongoing prescriptions, or families who prefer predictable costs.
See detailed metal tier comparisons below.
Need help confirming in-network doctors or comparing plans? Contact AZ Health Insurance Brokers.
Before you choose a plan, it helps to get a sense of what Marketplace coverage actually costs in Arizona. Premiums can vary quite a bit depending on your age, where you live, and which carrier you choose — but there are clear trends across Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans. Here’s what average premiums look like heading into 2026.
How Much Will I Pay?
Your Marketplace premium depends on your age, ZIP code, plan type, and household income. Out-of-pocket costs vary based on your deductible, copays, and maximum out-of-pocket limit.
Here’s a quick look at the average Marketplace plan premiums in Arizona (based on Maricopa County rates, before subsidies):
Average 2026 ACA Plan Premiums in Arizona (Before Subsidies)
On average, Arizona Marketplace premiums rose 29–35% from 2025 to 2026, depending on metal tier and carrier.
| Metal Tier | 2025 Avg. Premium | 2026 Avg. Premium | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | $356.45 | $458.87 | 0.29% |
| Silver | $413.05 | $556.78 | 0.35% |
| Gold | $517.91 | $661.80 | 0.28% |
*Averages shown for unsubsidized Marketplace plans. Actual premiums vary by age, county, and household income.
If you qualify for
premium tax credits, your monthly cost could be much lower — sometimes just a fraction of these prices.
For example, a
family of four earning around $80,000 a year may pay only a few hundred dollars per month after subsidies, depending on the plan and income level.
Rates also differ by
county and carrier.
If Congress doesn’t extend the
enhanced premium tax credits past 2025, some households may see
higher net premiums in 2026.
We can estimate both scenarios for you based on your expected income and coverage preferences.
Best Marketplace Carriers in Arizona for 2026
Each Marketplace carrier in Arizona has its own strengths. Here’s a quick overview to help you narrow your options:
- Best for Families:
Oscar, Imperial, Ambetter — Oscar tends to be the most cost-effective for families; Imperial is ideal for families wanting Phoenix Children’s access; Ambetter remains a solid but higher-priced option for 2026.
- Best for Tech-Friendly or Virtual Care:
Oscar, Antidote — both prioritize telehealth and app-based member support, making them great for digital-first households.
- Best for Rural or Statewide Coverage:
Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare — these carriers have the widest reach across Arizona’s rural and suburban areas.
- Best for Budget-Friendly Plans:
Oscar, Antidote — consistently priced below average across Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers.
- Best for Pediatric Access: Imperial — exclusive network access with Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Banner Children’s.
| 2026 ACA Marketplace Health Insurance Plans in Arizona |
|---|
| Carrier | Best For | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| Ambetter | Banner/HonorHealth access; multistate reciprocity | [View Ambetter 2026 plans →] |
| BCBS | Broad statewide network; note Phoenix changes | [View BCBS 2026 plans →] |
| Cigna | Dignity/HonorHealth/Barrow users; no referrals | [View Cigna 2026 plans →] |
| Imperial | Phoenix Children’s Hospital; family-focused coverage | [View Imperial 2026 plans →] |
| Oscar | Tech-forward, strong app, large PHX networks, and competitive 2026 pricing. | [View Oscar 2026 plans →] |
| UnitedHealthcare | National brand; solid Banner & Abrazo network | [View UHC 2026 plans →] |
| Antidote | Virtual-first HMO; telehealth-focused | [View Antidote 2026 plans →] |
2026 ACA Marketplace Health Insurance Plans in Arizona
Marketplace Health Insurance Subsidies / 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 ACA 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 Plans
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.
