Why It’s Important to Update Your Income and Household Information on an ACA Plan

May 27, 2026

How life changes can impact your ACA coverage, costs, and eligibility


When you enroll in an ACA (Affordable Care Act) health plan, the information you provide plays a key role in determining your eligibility and costs. This is especially true for your income and household size. But, your situation doesn’t always stay the same throughout the year.


If your income or household changes, it’s important to update your Marketplace application as soon as possible. Here’s why it matters, whether you receive financial assistance or not.



If You Receive Subsidies (Premium Tax Credits)


If you’re getting a subsidy to lower your monthly premium, keeping your information up to date is critical.


Avoid owing money at tax time
Subsidies are based on your estimated annual income. If your income increases and you don’t report it, you may receive more financial help than you qualify for, and you will have to pay some of it back when you file your taxes.


Make sure you’re getting the right amount of help
If your income decreases, you could qualify for a larger subsidy, which lowers your monthly premium. Updating your income ensures you’re not overpaying.


Maintain correct eligibility
Changes in household size, like marriage, divorce, or having a child, can affect how much assistance you qualify for and what plans are available to you. It is important to take a moment to ensure that the information about your household is correct.



If You Do NOT Receive Subsidies


Even if you’re paying full price for your coverage, updating your information is still important.


You could become eligible for savings
If your income drops during the year, you may qualify for premium tax credits or even cost-sharing reductions. Updating your information allows you to access those savings right away. You don’t have to wait for next year’s enrollment.


You may qualify for Medicaid
A significant income decrease could make you eligible for Medicaid, which may offer lower costs and additional benefits.


Stay aligned with your current situation
Household changes, like adding or removing dependents or moving to a new area, can impact your plan options and eligibility. Keeping your application current helps avoid complications later.



Stay Ahead of Potential Issues


Your ACA coverage is based on your current life situation, not just what it looked like when you enrolled. Updating your income and household information helps ensure you’re paying the right amount, receiving the correct level of financial assistance, and staying properly covered throughout the year.


You can typically do this by logging into your Marketplace account, based on where you originally enrolled (HealthCare.gov or your state’s exchange). Keeping your ACA application current helps ensure your coverage stays aligned with your needs, helps you avoid financial surprises at tax time, and may open the door to savings you didn’t realize were available.


Not sure how to make an income update? We can help! Reach out for guidance. 

Masked nurse helping administer a medical test to an older man at home.
August 26, 2026
A Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan (C-SNP) is a Medicare Advantage plan built around conditions like diabetes or heart failure. See how it works.
Smiling pair in close-up, one wearing glasses, sharing a warm moment indoors
August 19, 2026
Original Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids, but you still have options. Here’s a clear breakdown of Medicare Advantage, OTC hearing aids, and other ways to save.
Man riding a red mobility scooter on a park path with green grass and trees.
August 12, 2026
Thinking about a wheelchair or mobility scooter? Learn what Medicare covers under Part B, what your doctor must document first, and how to avoid a denied claim.
Person holding a stack of colorful mail and an envelope while seated indoors on a couch
August 6, 2026
Every fall, Medicare Advantage and Part D plans mail an Annual Notice of Change. Learn what it means for your costs, coverage, and doctors next year.
Person seated at a desk, gesturing toward a laptop in a home office.
By Cynthia Macluskie July 28, 2026
Open enrollment for 2027 ACA coverage ends earlier, and the February start date is going away. Find the currently-known national schedule and your state's timelines here.
Show More

Share

Masked nurse helping administer a medical test to an older man at home.
August 26, 2026
A Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan (C-SNP) is a Medicare Advantage plan built around conditions like diabetes or heart failure. See how it works.
Smiling pair in close-up, one wearing glasses, sharing a warm moment indoors
August 19, 2026
Original Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids, but you still have options. Here’s a clear breakdown of Medicare Advantage, OTC hearing aids, and other ways to save.
Man riding a red mobility scooter on a park path with green grass and trees.
August 12, 2026
Thinking about a wheelchair or mobility scooter? Learn what Medicare covers under Part B, what your doctor must document first, and how to avoid a denied claim.
Person holding a stack of colorful mail and an envelope while seated indoors on a couch
August 6, 2026
Every fall, Medicare Advantage and Part D plans mail an Annual Notice of Change. Learn what it means for your costs, coverage, and doctors next year.
Person seated at a desk, gesturing toward a laptop in a home office.
By Cynthia Macluskie July 28, 2026
Open enrollment for 2027 ACA coverage ends earlier, and the February start date is going away. Find the currently-known national schedule and your state's timelines here.
Smart home devices: robot vacuum, voice assistants, thermostat, doorbell, and wall light icon.
By Cynthia Macluskie July 24, 2026
See how smart lighting, robot vacuums, stove shut-offs, medication reminders, and fall monitors can help seniors at home, plus what Medicare and Medigap do and do not cover.
Smiling person in a straw hat and black shirt outdoors, holding the hat brim.
By Cynthia Macluskie July 21, 2026
Learn what Medicare covers for skin cancer screenings, dermatologist visits, biopsies, and treatment, plus tips for prevention and early detection.
Person lying on a gray couch under a teal blanket in a living room
By Cynthia Macluskie July 17, 2026
GLP-1 medications help you eat less — but eating less can mean fewer nutrients. Here's what the latest research shows and how to eat well.
Scrabble tiles on red background spell “MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS.”
May 20, 2026
Learn how Medicare covers mental health services, including therapy, counseling, and screenings, and how to access support when you need it.
By Cynthia Macluskie May 14, 2026
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System recently updated the ABA policy, and it is now open for public comment. There are many positive improvements within the proposal, including stronger fingerprinting, criminal background check, and abuse registry requirements for certain ABA providers. However, I do not believe the proposed protections go far enough. Children and vulnerable adults receiving ABA services often interact with many individuals throughout the day beyond credentialed clinical staff. Front office personnel, float staff, transportation staff, aides, interns, volunteers, and others may all have access to vulnerable members. Safety standards should not depend on a billing code or job title. They should depend on access to a vulnerable person. Any individual who may supervise, transport, escort, monitor, or otherwise interact with a vulnerable member should be required to complete fingerprinting, criminal background checks, and abuse registry screening before member contact occurs. In addition, providers serving vulnerable populations through Arizona Department of Economic Security Division of Developmental Disabilities, AHCCCS, and contracted health plans should all be held to the same strict safety standards. Protecting vulnerable children and adults should always be the priority. If you wish to learn more please use the link below: https://scs-public.s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/env_production/oid347/did200055/pid_214247/project-documents/AMPM%20POLICY%20320-S.pdf If you would lik e to comment on the policy use the link below: https://ahcccs.commentinput.com/?id=8e7uZSx2hH
Show More