Health insurance costs are set to rise in 2026. Here's what enrollees need to know.

"As 2025 comes to a close, Americans are decorating for the holidays and agonizing over which health insurance plan to choose. The decisions are complex and personal, as enrollees think about which plans best fit their income and medical needs. And, regardless of whether they have private or public coverage, most households are budgeting for higher costs. Here's what to know about insurance plans, enrollment deadlines, and policy changes in the new year."

"Most Americans have private, employer-sponsored health insurance or a government-based plan. Nearly all of these programs have active enrollment, meaning that people need to sign up for insurance every year - even if they don't intend to switch providers. For Affordable Care Act plans, the enrollment deadline was December 15, with some options to make changes until January 15 for a later coverage start date.The Medicare enrollment deadline for older Americans was December 7. Most coverage begins January 1."

Health insurance costs are expected to rise in 2026, with potential expiration of ACA subsidies increasing marketplace prices for middle- and low-income households. Most Americans have private, employer-sponsored coverage or government plans such as Medicare. Open enrollment periods require annual sign-up; ACA enrollment deadline was December 15 with some changes allowed until January 15, and Medicare enrollment ended December 7, with most coverage starting January 1. Employer open enrollment typically runs November to early December. Once a 2026 plan is selected, changes are restricted to the next open enrollment unless a qualifying life event occurs.

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