Can I get an ACA subsidy if I enroll through an income-based special enrollment period?
No. Starting with 2026 coverage, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act bars the premium tax credit for anyone who enrolls in a Marketplace plan through a special enrollment period based on income — such as the low-income SEP that let people under 150% of the federal poverty level sign up any month. You can still buy the plan, but you would pay full price. Special enrollment periods triggered by a life event are not affected: if you lose other coverage, move, get married, have or adopt a baby, or have another qualifying event, you can still enroll mid-year with a subsidy if you otherwise qualify. The practical takeaway for 2027 is to enroll during open enrollment, November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027, rather than counting on an income-based window later in the year. For help choosing or enrolling in a plan, call United Enrollment Services, a licensed insurance agency, at 1-866-401-4116.
More on this topic: health insurance marketplace
What it means
- An income-based SEP is one where the reason you can enroll is your income level, not a life event.
- Life-event SEPs (loss of coverage, moving, marriage, birth or adoption) still allow subsidized enrollment.
- Paying full price without a subsidy can cost several hundred dollars a month or more, depending on age and location.
- Some marketplaces may still offer an income-based window, but the subsidy ban applies regardless.
Action steps
- Enroll during open enrollment: November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 in HealthCare.gov states.
- If you have a life event, report it within 60 days and keep proof.
- If your income is very low, check whether you qualify for Medicaid, which has year-round enrollment.
- Ask a licensed agent which enrollment path keeps your subsidy.
Risks & deadlines
- Applies to coverage starting in 2026 and later.
- Most life-event SEPs give you 60 days from the event to enroll.
- Missing open enrollment without a life event usually means waiting until next fall.
Also asked as
- Is the low-income special enrollment period still available?
- Can I sign up for Obamacare any month if my income is low?
- 150% FPL special enrollment period subsidy
- Why can't I get a subsidy with a special enrollment period?
Sources
- Health Affairs — OBBBA bars PTC for income-based SEP enrollment beginning 2026
- Congress.gov — H.R. 1, One Big Beautiful Bill Act (text)
- HealthCare.gov
Last verified: 2026-10-27