Health insurance exchange shoppers are facing huge premium hikes in 2026, in large part because the enhanced premium tax credits in place since 2021 won’t be available unless Congress acts. ACA enrollment runs from November 1st through January 15th in most states. Despite the drastic increased premiums, enrollment in 2026 ACA plans was outpacing last year as of December 5th, when sign ups reached 5.8 million, a 7% increase from the same period in 2024, as reported by CMS. Notably, 950,000 enrollees were new to the exchanges. Insurance brokers report high interest in bottom-tier, lower-cost Bronze plans and alternative “short term plans” as some consumers are downgrading from Silver or higher plans amid skyrocketing prices tied to the expiration of the enhanced subsidies.
Menu
