Health care marketplace open enrollment
What is health care coverage through the marketplace?
The Health Insurance Marketplace, the result of the passing of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, helps you find health insurance coverage if you don’t have insurance through your job, Medicare, Medicaid or other qualifying health coverage.
When it’s time to choose health insurance for next year, it’s important to find a health care plan that meets your needs and those of your family. We're here to help you choose the health care plan that’s right for you – and we hope that choice includes Aurora Health Care.
Prepare for the changes coming this year
Make sure you have coverage in 2026 by thoroughly reviewing everything you need to enroll.
- Gather your papers. Pay stubs and tax returns make it easier to confirm eligibility and keep any tax credits.
- Double-check your eligibility by December 15, for January 1, coverage. Even if you like your coverage, you’ll still need to confirm so nothing changes on you unexpectedly.
- Keep in mind that premiums might go up if tax credits (subsidies) aren’t renewed. Additionally, consider all alternative coverage options so your plan balances out-of-pocket care costs with monthly premiums.
- Look over your 2026 plan choices. Pick one that works for you and make sure it includes your Aurora doctors.
- Some insurance companies are leaving. Some insurance companies are leaving. Many plans are leaving the exchange or limiting the counties where they are available.
When is Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment?
Open enrollment begins
November 1
Open enrollment ends
January 15
Coverage begins
January 1
if enrolled by December 15
February 1
if enrolled by January 15
Our Wisconsin health insurance network
During open enrollment, which happens every year from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15, you can buy health insurance on the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace that meets your needs.
Which plans include Aurora Health Care in their networks?
When you choose a plan that’s part of our network, you’ll get continued access to Aurora – including the doctors, medical technology and compassionate care you know and trust. Not every plan is available in every county. Plans that include Aurora include:
- Anthem
- Common Ground*
- HealthPartners (some plans)
- Quartz
- UnitedHealthcare
If you’re 65 or older, you’ll want to sign up for Medicare, the federal program for health insurance coverage. Note Medicare isn’t offered through the Health Insurance Marketplace. See our Medicare resources, or to see if you’re eligible for Medicare or for enrollment details, visit CMS.gov.
If you’re eligible for Medicaid benefits, we can help you enroll or renew your coverage. Call 800-326-2250 to work with our financial advocates, in person or virtually.
*Common Ground will no longer offer plans in Calumet, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Outagamie, Racine, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago counties. If you don't select a new health insurance company, you'll remain covered by a health insurance company assigned to you.
Why choose Aurora?
You deserve exceptional care – such as more choices and locations for primary and specialty care, plus access to plans, programs and financial assistance options that are right for you.
When you choose a health insurance plan that includes Aurora, you’ll be able to count on extended hours – evening and Saturday appointments, plus virtual primary care, urgent care video visits and e-visits – for your convenience. We’re using the latest technologies to expand your access to health care.
Benefits like our LiveWell app and website with Advocate Aurora Health app and website allow you to easily schedule appointments, view test results and other health information, and even pay your bills online – anytime, anywhere.
Aurora Health Care is one of Wisconsin’s leading health systems and home to Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, U.S. News & World Report’s No. 1 hospital in Milwaukee. We're close to home, making Aurora the most preferred primary care network, while our hospitals have received more Leapfrog “A” grades for patient safety than any other health system in Wisconsin. We’re part of Advocate Health, the third-largest nonprofit integrated health system in the U.S. We’re redefining the standard for care with world-class doctors and caregivers, innovative solutions, outstanding outcomes, and leading-edge research and clinical trials.
Special enrollment periods
You can’t sign up for an Affordable Care Act health insurance plan at any time unless it’s during the open enrollment period from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15, 2026. However, just like with private insurance, you may be able to enroll outside of open enrollment if you experience a qualifying event like these:
- Getting married or divorced
- Having a baby or adopting a child
- Losing health care coverage due to unemployment or changing jobs
- Moving to a new ZIP code or county
- Aging off your parents’ insurance coverage when you turn 26
- Losing eligibility for Medicaid
Health news you can use about health insurance
Not all plans are available in every county. Please check with the individual plan to confirm benefits and in-network providers. This website does not solicit or otherwise advertise insurance but is intended for your educational purposes only. Aurora Health Care is not a licensed health insurance agency.