Why Your Health Insurance Bills Could Get a Lot Higher in 2026 

If you’re already feeling the pinch from healthcare costs, you’re not alone. And unfortunately, experts are predicting that health insurance prices might take a significant jump in 2026, whether you get your insurance through work or buy it yourself.

It’s a worrying trend, but the good news is that there are steps you can take now to prepare. Let’s break down what’s happening and what you can do.

Why Are Prices Going Up?

Think of it like a perfect storm of several factors all happening at once:

We’re using more healthcare. On average, people are seeking more medical care than before. An aging population and a rise in expensive new treatments (like popular weight-loss drugs and gene therapies) are major drivers of this trend.

Drugs are getting more expensive. The cost of specialty prescription medications is climbing quickly, and insurers are passing those costs along.

Help might be running out. For people who buy their own insurance on the “Obamacare” marketplaces, a critical form of financial help—enhanced tax credits—is set to expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress acts to extend it. This help has made insurance affordable for millions of people.

Who Will Feel It the Most?

If you get insurance through work: Your employer will likely share more of the cost with you. This could mean you see higher deductions from your paycheck, a higher annual deductible, or more expensive copays for prescriptions.

If you buy your own plan: This group could be hit the hardest. Insurers are already planning to raise premiums, and if the extra tax credits expire, the price of monthly premiums could skyrocket for many families. Some states will see much bigger increases than others.

Without those tax credits, a family of four making $100,000 could see their monthly bill jump by nearly $180. That adds up to over $2,000 more per year.

What You Can Do Right Now to Prepare

This news can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to be caught off guard. Here’s how you can get ready:

Pay very close attention during open enrollment. Don’t just automatically renew your same plan. Take the time to really understand your options. Look closely at the deductible (what you pay before insurance kicks in), the co-insurance (your share of the cost after the deductible), and the out-of-pocket maximum (the most you’ll have to pay in a year). Knowing these numbers helps you budget for the “what-ifs.”

Consider a Health Savings Account (HSA). If you’re generally healthy and eligible, a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) paired with an HSA can be a smart move. An HSA is a powerful tool because the money you contribute is tax-free, it grows tax-free, and you can take it out tax-free for medical expenses—now or in the future.

Be a smart shopper for prescriptions. Don’t assume your pharmacy has the best price. Use websites like GoodRx to compare drug costs at different pharmacies and find available coupons. Always ask your doctor if a cheaper generic version of your medication is an option.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or negotiate. If you get a big medical bill, remember it’s not set in stone.

Ask for an itemized bill to check for errors.

Call the provider’s billing office and ask about financial assistance programs, prompt-pay discounts, or setting up a monthly payment plan.

Remember: Non-profit hospitals are required to offer financial assistance, so it’s always worth asking if you qualify.

The key is to be proactive. By understanding what’s coming and making a plan, you can help protect your budget from rising healthcare costs.