How much are YOUR health insurance premiums going up in 2026?

Especially for ACA (affordable care act) insurance plans, premiums are being raised a whopping 26% on average in 2026. 

Premiums for the average silver-level plan offered across ACA marketplaces, compared yearly

This increase is explained with higher costs for disabilities and chronic diseases, including increased demands on services, costly treatments, and drugs – but let’s face it: the US healthcare system is broken. Too much focus is put on expensive treatments, drugs, and surgery, and too little on prevention and a healthy lifestyle. 

But there’s a better way: Direct Primary Care (DPC). This membership-based model has several advantages over health insurance plans: 

  • Transparent and overall lower costs
  • Unrestricted access to care – same day or next day appointments available
  • Longer, more personalized appointments with a healthcare provider – which leads to better health outcomes for the patients, less burnout for clinicians, and more satisfaction for both
  • No third party interference – doctors can offer therapies that might not get approved by insurance
  • The focus on prevention and root causes leads to overall healthier patients 
  • Fewer urgent care visits and hospital admissions
Overall 2026 proposed rate change among ACA compliant small group plans by insurer

As frustration with traditional healthcare grows and demand for more accessible, patient-centered primary care is rising, DPC has been gaining momentum and will continue to do so. Many doctors have been changing over to Direct Primary Care, with over 2,100 practices now operating in the United States. In a few years, this could be the model that’s making the current insurance based healthcare obsolete. 

Switching to Direct Primary Care might feel like a big change at first, but most patients who take the leap say they would never go back! The difference in care, access, and peace of mind is that profound. And while DPC isn’t designed for major accidents or hospitalizations, that’s easily covered by pairing your membership with a low-cost catastrophic or wraparound insurance plan.

The future of healthcare is already unfolding, and you could be part of it

Whether you’re looking for more personal care for yourself or seeking a better healthcare solution for your team, we’d love to connect. Together let’s make high-quality, transparent healthcare the new standard!

Sources

Health System Tracker
https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/brief/how-much-and-why-premiums-are-going-up-for-small-businesses-in-2026/

CBS News
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/aca-marketplace-obamacare-health-insurance-premiums-2026-increase-sticker-shock/