ACA Health Insurance Premiums Projected to Increase by 75% Next Year — What You Need to Know
If you or your family rely on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace for health coverage, brace yourself: premiums are expected to jump significantly in 2026.
ACA Health Insurance Premiums Expected to Rise by 75% — Here’s What You Can Do
If you or your family rely on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace for health coverage, you may need to prepare for a significant change next year: premiums are projected to increase by an average of 75%, according to new research from KFF, a trusted nonpartisan health policy group.
For millions of Americans who get their insurance through Healthcare.gov or their state’s exchange, this could mean paying nearly double for the same coverage — unless you explore other options.
Why Are ACA Premiums Spiking So Much?
Every summer, health insurance companies calculate rates for the next year and submit them to state regulators. KFF’s team reviews these filings in detail to predict what consumers can expect to pay.
Usually, insurers cite reasons like higher drug costs or rising hospital fees. But this year, the biggest factor is federal policy: specifically, the end of the enhanced premium tax credits that helped millions of people afford ACA plans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These filings are hundreds of pages long,” says Cynthia Cox, director of KFF’s Program on the ACA. “But this year, nearly every insurer is pointing to the expiration of the extra subsidies.”
How Pandemic Subsidies Kept Costs Down
These subsidies were part of the pandemic relief measures under the Biden administration. They lowered monthly premiums for many families, resulting in record ACA enrollment.
As a result, more than 24 million people signed up for ACA coverage this year — more than double pre-pandemic levels — driving the uninsured rate to a historic low.
But once these enhanced subsidies disappear next year, premiums will jump significantly. For example, someone paying $60 a month this year could be looking at $105 a month or more in 2026.
The Risk of Losing Coverage
Higher premiums often push healthy individuals — who may not feel they “need” insurance — to drop coverage altogether. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that letting the subsidies expire could leave an extra 4.2 million people uninsured.
When healthier people exit the ACA pool, what’s left are individuals with higher healthcare costs — people with chronic conditions or expensive prescriptions who can’t risk being uninsured.
This shift is exactly why ACA insurers are raising premiums now: they expect next year’s pool to be smaller and sicker, and thus more expensive to cover.
Congress Unlikely to Step In
Congress technically could extend the enhanced tax credits, but many Republican lawmakers oppose this move. Some say these subsidies hide the real cost of ACA plans while leaving taxpayers to cover the difference.
Ironically, states like Texas, Florida, and Georgia — Republican strongholds — have seen massive ACA enrollment growth thanks to these subsidies. If premiums spike too high, millions could be priced out of coverage altogether.
Are There More Affordable Options?
Here’s the good news: ACA plans aren’t the only option — and they’re not always the most affordable for everyone.
Private health insurance plans can be a smart alternative, especially for individuals and families in good health. Unlike ACA plans, which accept everyone regardless of medical history, many private plans use medical underwriting to determine eligibility and pricing.
While this means you may have to answer health questions, it also allows insurers to build lower-risk pools. As a result, monthly premiums for private health insurance can be significantly lower than ACA premiums for people who qualify.
For many healthy families, a private plan can provide solid coverage at a fraction of the cost — without losing essential protections.
What Should You Do Now?
If you’re concerned about higher ACA premiums in 2026, here are three smart steps to take:
✅ Compare all your options: Don’t assume an ACA plan is automatically the best fit. Private plans can offer competitive coverage — often with lower premiums if you’re healthy and meet the underwriting guidelines.
✅ Talk to a licensed agent: Navigating the choices alone can be overwhelming. An experienced insurance broker can help you compare ACA plans, private plans, and other supplemental options to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
✅ Stay ahead of policy changes: Rules and subsidies can change quickly. Make sure you’re working with an advisor who stays on top of federal and state decisions that could affect your costs — and knows when a private plan might be a better alternative.
Why Private Health Insurance Can Make Sense
Many families don’t realize they could qualify for private plans with significantly lower premiums because the risk pool is healthier overall. If you’re not managing chronic conditions or high-cost medications, these plans may give you the coverage you need — without overpaying for risk you don’t carry.
For example, if an ACA plan becomes unaffordable for you next year, a private plan could cost far less — sometimes 30–50% lower — depending on your health history and the plan’s underwriting.
If you’re worried about the coming ACA premium hikes, we’re here to help you navigate your options. Our team is keeping a close eye on federal policy developments and marketplace changes, so you don’t have to do it alone.
📞 Contact us today to schedule a free consultation — and let’s make sure you have the coverage you need, at a price you can manage, no matter what happens in Washington next year.
