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A Real Example of the ACA Price Increase
One ACA Marketplace member in Texas recently shared their renewal notice:
“My premium is expected to rise from $571 to $1,959 if these subsidies are not renewed.”
That’s an increase of $1,388 every month — more than triple the original premium!!!
Now I want to clarify that this price difference is because of subsidies expiring and the price increases – not just the upcoming ACA price increase.
Still – stories like this are becoming more common. Across the country, ACA Marketplace premiums are projected to rise by an average of 20% in 2026, with some states facing increases of 30%–50%. For many families, that ACA price increase is the steepest they’ve ever seen.
Why ACA Premiums Are Increasing
So what’s behind the ACA price hikes? According to insurer filings with state regulators, the main drivers are:
- Rising medical costs. Hospitals, doctors, and outpatient providers are charging more each year.
- Increased utilization. More people are going to the doctor after delaying care during the pandemic.
- Prescription drug expenses. High-cost medications like GLP-1s (Ozempic, Wegovy) can run $10,000–$15,000 a year, and usage is climbing rapidly.
- Labor costs. Hospitals facing staffing shortages are raising wages and negotiating higher rates with insurers.
- Risk pool shifts. When younger, healthier people leave the Marketplace, the remaining pool is older and sicker, which pushes average costs up.
Put it all together, and regulators are reviewing some of the biggest ACA price increases in nearly a decade.
How the ACA Price Increase Impacts Families
Let’s break this down.
If you’re paying $1,200 a month for ACA coverage today, a 20% price increase means your premium would jump to $1,450. That’s an extra $3,000 a year — for the same plan.
And that’s before deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-network surprises. Many families end up paying thousands out-of-pocket even after paying their higher premiums.
This ACA price increase isn’t just a number. It’s money that could have gone to groceries, car payments, or savings. For some families, it’s the difference between keeping up and falling behind.
Are There Alternatives to the ACA Marketplace?
If you’re under 65 and relatively healthy, there are alternatives worth exploring:
Direct Primary Care (DPC)
A flat monthly membership ($70–$100) that gives you unlimited access to your doctor, same-day appointments, and wholesale pricing on labs and prescriptions. No insurance paperwork, no billing games — just you and your doctor.
Health Shares
Nonprofit communities where members contribute monthly to share each other’s large medical expenses. Health shares aren’t insurance, but for the right person they can:
- Cut monthly costs by hundreds of dollars
- Let you see any doctor (no networks)
- Ensure more of your money goes directly toward medical bills instead of insurance overhead
These alternatives aren’t perfect for everyone — but for many families, they’re a way to escape the cycle of endless ACA price increases.
What now?
The ACA price increase in 2026 is coming, and it’s hitting families hard. But you don’t have to just accept it. Exploring options like Direct Primary Care and health shares could help you save thousands each year while still getting the care you need.
And if you’d like to see premium changes in your state, check out my interactive map: ACA Marketplace Premiums State-by-State (2026)
Health shares are not insurance and do not offer insurance coverage. Membership in a health share does not guarantee the payment or reimbursement of medical expenses. Each organization operates under its own membership guidelines, which determine what expenses may be eligible for sharing. This publication is for informational purposes only and is not provided by an insurance company. For state-specific notices and full program details, please visit the respective health share’s official website.
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