PROVIDENCE, RI – The Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance marketplace is now open for enrollment for 2026 coverage. Between now and January 31, 2026, Rhode Islanders can shop for health and dental insurance that meets their needs and budgets using the state’s ACA portal: HealthSource RI.

U.S. Senator Jack Reed says many Rhode Islanders are already facing sticker shock due to President Trump’s policies and Congressional Republicans’ refusal to extend ACA tax credits. As a result, millions of families across the country will pay double or triple what they did before — or may lose their coverage altogether.

“President Trump is refusing to even meet and talk about this crisis. Instead, Trump is forcing Americans to pay more for their health care or lose coverage altogether. Rather than invest in innovations that help patients or reducing the costs of prescription drugs, President Trump is cutting health care to pay for tax breaks for billionaires and special interests. He continues to try to tear down the ACA, and still has no plan to replace it – he hasn’t even produced his so-called ‘concepts of a plan.’ His health care policy is a cruel joke that makes it harder to see a doctor, more expensive to get health coverage, and more difficult to keep and renew it. And he’s forcing these health care price increases at the same time his tariffs, Medicaid cuts, and economic policies are causing higher grocery bills, housing, utilities, and other basic expenses,” said Senator Reed.

According to experts at HealthSource RI, many Rhode Islanders could see their average monthly health costs double, depending on their circumstances and level of coverage. HealthSource RI enrollees are projected to pay about $111 more per person per month unless Republicans in Congress join with Democrats to extend enhanced federal tax credits that are expiring at the end of the year.

An estimated 13,000 Rhode Islanders could drop insurance coverage if that happens, according to HealthSource RI estimates.

Nationwide, Republicans’ steep cuts to Medicaid, coupled with the likely expiration of ACA tax credits, could leave roughly 14 million Americans without insurance.

“Every American deserves affordable, quality health coverage,” said Senator Reed. “That is why I am fighting to re-open the government, lower costs, and protect people’s access to health care so it is there when they need it. With open enrollment, people are starting to see the reality of the Trump-Republican plan and experience the resulting price shocks, dropped coverage, and marketplace instability.”

The cost of health insurance for the roughly 165 million Americans under the age of 65 who receive their coverage through work is also rapidly rising and is expected to increase by the biggest annual jump in 15 years.

Over the last twelve years, Rhode Island’s uninsured rate has decreased by more than two-thirds: in 2024 the uninsured rate was 2.2 percent, down from 11 percent in 2012.

For more information on HSRI’s open enrollment period, visit: HealthSourceRI.com/OE. Enrollment support is also available by calling 1-855-840-4774 and asking to speak with a Navigator, or attend an upcoming virtual enrollment info session.