Important dates
Important message about planning for 2026 health coverage
Aetna CVS Health will no longer offer individual and family plans in 2026 and beyond. These are the types of health plans you can purchase on the health insurance marketplace under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
There’s no change to your current 2025 plan. As long as you continue paying your premium, your coverage will remain active through December 31, 2025.
What to consider as you choose new coverage for 2026
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October |
Take time to review your health needs, connect with a broker if you have one, and preview plans on the marketplace before enrollment begins.* |
November 1st |
Open Enrollment starts. This is the first day you can enroll in a new health plan for 2026. |
December 15th |
Open Enrollment ends in most states.* This is the last day to enroll in a new health plan with coverage that will start on January 1st, 2026. |
January 1st, 2026 |
2026 coverage with new carrier starts for those who enrolled in a new health plan by December 15th and paid their first premium. |
Important dates |
October |
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Take time to review your health needs, connect with a broker if you have one, and preview plans on the marketplace before enrollment begins.* |
Important dates |
November 1st |
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Open Enrollment starts. This is the first day you can enroll in a new health plan for 2026. |
Important dates |
December 15th |
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Open Enrollment ends in most states.* This is the last day to enroll in a new health plan with coverage that will start on January 1st, 2026. |
Important dates |
January 1st, 2026 |
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2026 coverage with new carrier starts for those who enrolled in a new health plan by December 15th and paid their first premium. |
If you don’t actively choose a new health plan with a different company, you may get enrolled in one automatically. But reviewing your options and selecting a plan yourself is the best way to make sure it fits your needs.
Key dates to know may vary by state. Visit HealthCare.gov for state specific dates.
How to enroll
If you work with a health insurance agent or broker, they can help you choose a new health insurance plan during Open Enrollment.
You can also visit HealthCare.gov to get started. There you can view available health insurance plans or find a link to your state’s marketplace.
Helpful tips to choose the right plan
Compare plans to save money and find a plan that best meets your needs and budget. To prepare, make sure you:
- Know your needs: Make a list of your providers, prescriptions, and any regular care you require.
- Check in-network coverage: Ensure your providers and pharmacies you use are in-network with any new plan you are interested in.
- Review total costs: Compare premiums, deductibles, and max out-of-pocket expenses to make sure any new plan you choose fits your budget.
- Ask for help: A broker can walk you through the enrollment process and help you find a new plan.
Transition of care
Choosing a new health insurance plan is important but so is making sure your care continues without disruption. If your provider isn’t in-network and you’re pregnant, are being actively treated for a chronic condition, or if you’re recovering from a major surgery or illness, you may be able to request a transition of care while you find a new provider that fits your needs. Contact your new insurance plan for details.
Easy ways to pay your monthly bill
Keep your plan active until the end of 2025
Paying your bill is your #1 to-do. If you miss a payment, your plan may be cancelled.
FAQs about transitioning to a new insurance provider
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Here are some tips to set you up for success:
1) Make sure the new plan you choose covers your current medication(s) and your preferred pharmacy is in network. If you’re on a critical prescription that’s not in network, some Affordable Care Act plans offer transition coverage to help you stay on track with your treatment. Contact your new insurance plan for details.
2) It’s also a good idea to refill your prescriptions before the end of the year.
3) For future refills, you’ll want to provide your pharmacy with your new 2026 insurance card to ensure a smooth transition.
4) If you would like to have your medication sent to you through mail order, please check with your new insurance plan to determine which mail order pharmacy is in network. A new script will need to be sent to the new mail order pharmacy.
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You can still access your Aetna CVS Health member account for up to five years after your plan ends. While some features may be limited, you’ll still be able to view messages, account settings, and up to two years of claims. You can log in to your member account or register here.
If you receive subsidies, your tax forms will still come directly from the Federal Marketplace.
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You’ll continue to receive your Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) and updates on your claims through the end of the year. If you’re registered on the Aetna member website, you can track everything there, too.
If there’s a question about a claim that isn’t resolved by year-end, don’t worry—our customer service team will be available in 2026 to help get it sorted out.
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You can only switch plans now if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, which usually requires a major life event like moving or getting married, etc.
View more information on Special Enrollment here.
Questions? We’re here to help.
Chat with your virtual assistant
They can help you find doctors and claim info, check coverage details, look up your member ID and more. Available 24/7 on your member website.
Get in touch with us
First, log in to our member support page for helpful tips and resources to make the most of your plan. Still need help? Our Member Services team is ready to assist you.
For bill pay at a store location
You can pay your bill in any CVS retail location (excluding CVS stores in Target® locations) except for your first month's premium for a new health insurance plan. This is also called your binder payment.
For $100 allowance
$25 allowance each quarter to use on select CVS Health® brand products. Unused allowance does not carry over to the next quarter. This benefit is not available in California, Missouri or New Jersey.
For $0 MinuteClinic visits
For a list of participating walk-in clinics, use our online provider search tool. Includes select MinuteClinic services. Not all MinuteClinic services are covered or may be covered at negotiated contract rates. Not available in all states. Walk-in appointments are not guaranteed. Online scheduling recommended. Check your plan documents for more details. Members enrolled in qualified high-deductible health plans must meet their deductible before receiving covered primary care or non-preventive services at no cost share.
For enrollment begins
For California residents, renewal enrollments start October 1st.
For open enrollment ends in most states
For California, Maryland, New Jersey, Nevada and Virginia residents, December 31st is the last day to enroll for new coverage starting January 1st, 2026.
Legal notices
Health plans are offered or underwritten or administered by Aetna Health of California Inc., Aetna Health Inc. (Florida), Aetna Health Inc. (Georgia), Aetna Life Insurance Company, Aetna Health of Utah Inc., Aetna Health Inc. (Pennsylvania), or Aetna Health Inc. (Texas) (Aetna). Aetna, CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic, LLC (which either operates or provides certain management support services to MinuteClinic-branded walk-in clinics) are part of the CVS Health® family of companies.
Providers are independent contractors and are not agents of Aetna. Provider participation may change without notice. Aetna does not provide care or guarantee access to health services. Information is accurate as of the production date; however, it is subject to change.
Health benefits and health insurance plans contain exclusions and limitations.