Health insurance costs are projected to soar for those enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans in 2026, creating significant financial strain for families and individuals across the country. This comes in the aftermath of Congress’s failure to extend enhanced tax credits, which have provided vital support since 2021 to help millions cover their premiums. With open enrollment already underway, many consumers are confronting steep price increases and uncertainty regarding potential relief.
This year, premium rates on the ACA marketplaces are set to rise by an average of 26%, marking the most substantial increase since 2018. Insurers are anticipating that without the tax credits, healthier individuals may opt out of signing up, leading to a sicker and more expensive customer base. As the December 15 deadline approaches for plans that begin on January 1, families are grappling with the prospect of either paying exorbitant costs or going without health insurance altogether.
The financial burden is exemplified by the experiences shared by several individuals facing drastic increases in their monthly premiums:
Amy Jackson, 56, a medical biller from Butler, Missouri, has seen her current monthly premium of $275 projected to balloon to $1,250 in 2026, following her recent breast cancer diagnosis. Facing the prospect of losing coverage is not an option for her, as she urgently needs treatment. “For them, a thousand bucks is probably nothing… But for me, that’s half of my wage,” she lamented.
Robert Bixon, a 61-year-old retiree from Boynton Beach, Florida, is bracing for premiums that could reach $4,500 a month for him and his family, amounting to nearly $70,000 per year when factoring in out-of-pocket costs. Bixon expressed concern over the sustainability of his retirement savings, reflecting a shared anxiety among many about the rising cost of healthcare and its impact on financial security.
In Memphis, Tennessee, Ezra McKay, 26, faces the daunting prospect of his insurance premium rising from $15 to $550 monthly, nearly half of his income. Having bipolar disorder, Ezra describes how crucial insurance has been for his mental health and overall stability. He is now contemplating relocating to a state with more secure health coverage options.
Catriona Johnson from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, highlighted the struggles of managing her congenital condition while living paycheck to paycheck. Anticipating an increase in her premium from $442 to $666, with a deductible hike, she expressed uncertainty about affording continued care. “I have no idea what I am going to do if I cannot afford care,” she said.
Chris O’Donnell, 58, who recently transitioned to freelance work, projected his monthly premium to rise from $837 to $2,155. This dramatic increase will force him to divert retirement savings to cover health insurance costs. “This is not the time to be zeroing out my retirement contributions, but what choice do I have?” he lamented.
Others are trying to balance health needs against financial independence. Celeste Jameson, a paralegal from North Port, Florida, expressed fears of returning to her pre-ACA life as she anticipates her premium more than doubling. “I’d rather eat nothing but PB&Js than give up my health insurance,” she stated, underscoring the critical role insurance plays in her ongoing treatment for endometriosis.
Kelly Badeau has experienced her premium potentially skyrocketing from $94 to $900 per month. She described how her current ACA plan has enabled her to take a proactive approach to health, allowing for consistent and necessary medical care.
Facing similarly grim outlooks, Genna Boatright of Siren, Wisconsin, fears her premiums could jump from $12 to $700, imperiling her ongoing treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. She is currently receiving Medicaid but has been denied further coverage, leaving her uncertain about her future care.
Lastly, Kristine Weidner, a self-employed psychotherapist, anticipates nearly tripling her health insurance costs, which may necessitate a shift back to the public sector. “I may need to consider closing my business,” she admitted, reflecting worries about how rising healthcare expenses could stifle not only her livelihood but also that of her clients who face similar struggles.
As Americans brace for the possibility of substantial increases in healthcare costs in 2026, the urgency for legislative action looms large, with many calling on Congress to restore enhanced tax credits to alleviate the financial pressure on those relying on ACA plans. The future of health insurance accessibility hangs in the balance, as families confront potentially life-altering decisions in the coming months.
