The Big Ugly Truth About 2026: ACA Premiums Are Set to Skyrocket
Since 2021, ACA marketplace shoppers have been living with a little bonus: expanded federal tax credits that cut premiums and opened up eligibility for more middle-class families. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average household saved more than $700 a year. For many, it’s been a lifesaver.
But those credits expire in 2026.
Yep. The “Big Beautiful Bill” that passed in Congress cut the funding. And unless something changes, premiums are projected to jump by an average of 75%. In some states? Over 100%.
That’s not a typo.
Now, yes — lawmakers are floating bills to extend the subsidies. That’s happening in Congress right now. But here’s the hard truth: you don’t build your family’s financial future on “maybe.” You plan for the worst-case scenario, and if Congress swoops in at the last minute with a fix, great. But if they don’t? You’ll be ready while everyone else scrambles.
And being ready is what makes you smart.
Why This Matters
(Even If You Have Employer Coverage)
You might be thinking, “I’m covered at work. This isn’t my problem.” Wrong. Here’s why:
Job changes happen. Layoffs, early retirement, new ventures… none of those come with guaranteed coverage. If you leave your job before age 65, the ACA is often your only option.
COBRA is not a solution. It’s a short-term bandage that costs 102% of the actual premium. Think: mortgage-sized payments for the privilege of staying on your old plan.
Gig work is exploding. Contracting, freelancing, and side hustles are the new normal. And gig work almost never comes with health benefits. That means ACA is the fallback.
Turning 26 = welcome to adulting. Parents, listen up. Once your kid ages off your plan, they’re shopping solo. If premiums double, it’s a financial gut punch they won’t be ready for unless you prep them now.
The Fallout: Millions Could Lose Coverage
When prices jump, people walk away. It’s human nature. But dropping coverage isn’t like skipping Netflix for a month. One hospital stay without insurance can wipe out savings, derail retirement plans, and bury families in debt.
The worst-case scenario isn’t just higher premiums. It’s millions of people living with the anxiety of “what if” because they gambled on going uninsured.
That doesn’t have to be you.
What Smart Families & Savvy Business Owners Do Now
For Individuals & Families
Face the numbers. Look at your premium. Double it. That’s the reality check.
Budget now. Where would you cut back? Health insurance isn’t optional — it’s a financial shield.
Explore alternatives. Private coverage, supplemental plans, or small business-style group options may beat ACA costs for high earners.
For Small Business Owners
I hear this all the time: “We can’t afford group health insurance.” And sure, traditional group plans can feel overwhelming. But here’s the thing: offering something is better than offering nothing.
Affordable options exist:
Supplemental/voluntary benefits (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity) — average around $150 per employee and can cover families.
Level-funded or defined contribution plans — you control the budget, employees choose their coverage.
Simple perks that retain staff — even modest benefits reduce turnover and make hiring easier.
Smart leaders aren’t the ones who say, “We can’t do benefits.” They’re the ones who say, “Let’s find a way to take care of our people without breaking the bank.”
The Insured AF Reality Check
Here’s what I need you to hear: hoping Congress fixes this is not a strategy. Betting your family’s health or your business’s stability on a political debate is not leadership.
Planning ahead is.
If you’re on an ACA plan now, assume your costs will rise. Budget for it.
If you’re an employer, explore supplemental benefits now so your team knows you’ve got their back.
If you’re overwhelmed and unsure where to start, that’s literally why I’m here — to guide you through the options in plain English.
The clients who win in 2026 won’t be the ones who procrastinated. They’ll be the ones who prepared.
Final Word
Health insurance is not a privilege. It’s a necessity. And premiums spiking 75%–100% is not something you can ignore until the last minute.
You want to be the person who saw this coming, who had a plan, who didn’t let fear or procrastination cost their family or their business. That’s the savvy move. That’s the prepared move. That’s the Insured AF move.
👉 Message me today if you want to:
Compare private vs. ACA vs. supplemental coverage.
Build a low-cost small business benefits package.
Or just stop stressing about OEP because someone else (me 👋) is steering the ship.
Don’t just hope for the best. Plan for the worst — and sleep better knowing you’ve got it covered.
TL;DR
ACA subsidies expire in 2026. Premiums could spike 75%–100%.
Congress may extend subsidies, but you can’t bank on “maybe.”
Families: plan your budget now, explore alternatives.
Businesses: supplemental benefits start around $150/employee — way better than nothing.
Smart = prepared. Procrastinating = expensive.
📘 Grab my book: The Health Insurance Solution (Amazon)
📓 Get the workbook: Open Enrollment Survival Workbook (Amazon)
Both are designed to help you be the prepared, savvy person who beats the system instead of getting steamrolled by it.
