Fact-Check Article: "Is independent health insurance going to ask for a large increase for 2026?"
What We Know
Recent analyses indicate that health insurance premiums, particularly those associated with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, are set to rise significantly in 2026. According to a report from KFF, the median proposed increase for ACA marketplace plans is projected to be 18%, which is more than double the 7% increase observed the previous year. This increase is attributed to several factors, including rising healthcare costs, increased utilization of services, and the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits that had previously helped lower costs for many consumers.
Furthermore, specific insurers are proposing even larger increases. For example, in New York, UnitedHealthcare has suggested a staggering 66.4% rise, while HMO Colorado has requested an average increase of over 33%. Other states also report significant proposed increases, such as 21.2% in Washington and 23.7% in Rhode Island (KFF Health News).
The overall trend shows that health insurance premiums have been rising for years, with the ACA marketplace experiencing some of the most substantial increases recently. The Business Group on Health noted that actual healthcare costs have grown by 50% since 2017, further complicating the affordability of health insurance for many Americans.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that independent health insurance will see significant increases in 2026 is robust. The data comes from multiple reputable sources, including the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker and KFF Health News, both of which are well-regarded for their analysis of health policy and economics. The proposed increases are not only substantial but also reflect a broader trend of rising healthcare costs that have been exacerbated by the expiration of federal subsidies.
However, it is important to note that these proposed increases are preliminary and subject to change as insurers finalize their rate requests. State regulators have the authority to review and potentially adjust these proposals, but their effectiveness varies by state. Some states are more proactive in regulating these increases, while others may allow higher rates to be implemented without significant scrutiny (AJMC).
The reliability of the sources is high, as they are based on comprehensive analyses of initial rate filings from insurers across all states. However, potential bias exists in the interpretation of these increases, as insurers may present their rationale for hikes in a way that emphasizes external factors while downplaying their own profit motives.
Conclusion
The claim that independent health insurance is going to ask for a large increase for 2026 is True. The evidence clearly indicates that ACA marketplace insurers are proposing significant premium increases, with a median rise of 18% and some individual insurers seeking increases as high as 66.4%. These trends reflect ongoing challenges in the healthcare system, including rising costs and the expiration of financial assistance programs that had previously mitigated some of these increases.
Sources
- How Much and Why ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Going Up in 2026
- The Price Increases That Should Cause Americans More Alarm
- ACA Premiums Set for Significant Jumps in 2026, Threatening ...
- Health insurance rates are expected to spike in 2026. What to ...
- How much and why ACA Marketplace premiums are going up in 2026
- Cost of Obamacare expected to soar as subsidies expire and ...
- ACA premiums likely to rise in 2026, KFF finds | Healthcare ...
