Obamacare (ACA)

Your Health Insurance IS Going To Increase By The Biggest Percentage in 15 Years!

Andy | September 16, 2025October 7, 2026

Health insurance cost increases are hitting Arizona residents harder than at any point in the last 15 years. Rising healthcare utilization, expiring subsidies, and carrier withdrawals from the marketplace are all converging to drive premiums significantly higher. Here’s what’s driving the increases and what you can do about it.

According to healthcare.gov, your health insurance is about to get More Expensive—Here’s Why

If it feels like your health insurance costs are always going up, you’re not imagining it. According to a recent survey from Mercer, a consulting firm, health benefit costs are projected to increase by 6.5% in 2026—the highest jump in 15 years. This trend is a wake-up call for both employers and employees, as everyone’s wallets are about to feel the pinch.

What’s Driving the Price Hikes?

The rise in costs isn’t just due to one single factor; it’s a perfect storm of several powerful trends:

Advances in medical science: New, cutting-edge treatments for things like cancer and chronic conditions are often incredibly expensive. While these therapies offer hope and better health outcomes, their high cost contributes significantly to rising insurance premiums.
More people using more services: A recent increase in healthcare utilization is also a key factor. This includes people catching up on care they put off during the pandemic and the growing acceptance and use of virtual healthcare, which makes it easier than ever to access a doctor.
Inflation: The broader economic trend of inflation is hitting the healthcare industry hard. Rising wages for healthcare workers and the increased cost of medical supplies are all passed down to consumers and employers.

How Employers Are Responding

Facing these mounting costs, employers are looking for ways to manage their budgets. The survey found that a growing number of companies plan to make changes to their health plans in 2026. This often means raising deductibles and co-pays, which shifts more of the financial burden directly onto employees.

However, some employers are also exploring new strategies to curb costs without simply making their employees pay more. They are focusing on managing high-cost claims and using high-performance network plans, which guide employees toward a curated list of providers known for quality care and lower costs. At the same time, many companies are still prioritizing employee well-being by expanding access to mental health services.

What This Means for You

For most employees, these changes will mean a higher paycheck deduction for health coverage. On average, employees can expect to see their premium share rise by 6% to 7% in 2026.

This is why your next open enrollment period is more important than ever. It’s crucial to take a close look at all your options. You’ll need to balance the monthly premium with potential out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and co-pays. Choosing a high-performance network plan might seem restrictive, but it could save you a significant amount of money in the long run.

Don’t wait until the last minute. By understanding these upcoming changes, you can make an informed decision that protects both your health and your wallet.

I can help you with options.

Andy Orlikoff 623-742-3878

www.AZhealth.us

Facing significant health insurance cost increases? I compare all your options — ACA marketplace, off-exchange PPOs, short-term plans — at no cost. Call Andy Orlikoff at (623) 742-3878 or fill out the contact form.

What Happened to the Enhanced ACA Subsidies

The enhanced premium tax credits were created by the American Rescue Plan Act and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act through December 31, 2025. Congress did not extend them before they expired. In January 2026 the House passed a three-year extension (H.R. 1834) by a vote of 230 to 196, but as of late September 2026 the bill has not passed the Senate and no floor vote is scheduled.

Because the extension has not become law, plan to budget for 2027 as if the enhanced subsidies are not coming back. If that changes, I will update this page.

Arizona 2027 Rate Requests

According to azfamily’s August 2026 report, seven Arizona marketplace insurers asked for 2027 rate increases ranging from 3.26% to 33.90%. These are proposed rates and are still subject to state and federal review, so the final numbers may differ. The same report says 357,144 Arizonans selected marketplace coverage for 2026, down from 423,025 the year before.

What you actually pay depends on your plan, your county, your age, and your income, so one average number does not tell you much. The only reliable way to know is to compare the actual 2027 plans for your household.

Who Is Most Affected

Households above 400% of the federal poverty level: with the enhanced credits gone, the income cap on premium tax credits applies again, so many middle-income households and early retirees can lose their subsidy entirely.

Lower- and middle-income households: still qualify for credits, but they cover a smaller share of the premium than they did under the enhanced rules.

What Arizona Residents Can Do Now

Do not auto-renew without comparing. Your plan’s premium, deductible, and network can all change for 2027 even if the plan name stays the same.

Update your income estimate. The credit you receive is based on your expected 2027 income, so an out-of-date number can mean a surprise at tax time.

Check your doctors and prescriptions against each plan’s network and drug list before you choose.

Look at alternatives. Depending on your health and situation, an off-exchange PPO or another option may fit your budget better than a marketplace plan. Read more on my health insurance page, or see the answers on my Arizona health insurance FAQ.

Get Help Comparing ACA Health Insurance Costs in Arizona

I’m Andy Orlikoff, an independent Arizona health insurance broker in Surprise, AZ. I compare marketplace plans, off-exchange PPOs, and alternatives, and my help costs you nothing.

Serving Surprise, Phoenix, Peoria, Glendale, Goodyear, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and all of Arizona.

American Insurance Benefits | 14955 W Bell Rd #8031, Surprise, AZ 85374 | Licensed Arizona Insurance Broker since 2004

Prepare Now for Big ACA Changes Ahead

Andy | June 9, 2025October 7, 2026

Major ACA changes in 2026 are coming that could significantly affect health insurance premiums for millions of Arizona residents. Enhanced subsidies that dramatically reduced marketplace costs may expire, and Congress is debating what comes next. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare before the changes take effect.

Major shifts are on the horizon for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2026 — The Trump administration’s newly proposed rule introduces changes that could leave millions of Americans without viable coverage options or struggling to afford marketplace plans.

Here’s what’s ahead—and why Short-Term Medical (STM) insurance remains a smart, strategic choice, even as we await the potential reinstatement of the previous 3-year coverage option.

Open Enrollment is Shrinking

Change: Open enrollment will be shortened by 4 weeks, ending December 15 instead of January 15 or later.
Challenge: Consumers who miss the new deadline will be locked out of ACA coverage.
STM Solution: STM plans can be purchased year-round, providing immediate gap coverage for those who miss enrollment or need temporary insurance between major life changes.

Year-Round Enrollment for Low-Income Americans May Disappear

Change: The special enrollment window for low-income individuals could be eliminated.
Challenge: Vulnerable consumers will have fewer opportunities to secure ACA coverage when they need it.
STM Solution: STM plans ensure access to coverage for these individuals, bridging them until ACA re-opens or other coverage becomes available.

Subsidy Rollbacks = Steep Premium Increases

Change: Enhanced federal subsidies are set to expire at the end of 2025, leading to higher out-of-pocket costs across the board.
Challenge: The Congressional Budget Office estimates 2.2 million could become uninsured due to affordability issues.
STM Solution: STM offers budget-friendly premiumsand customizable plan options, providing a viable alternative for those priced out of the marketplace.

Reduced Access to Enrollment Assistance

Change: Funding for navigators is being slashed by 90%, making it harder for consumers to get the help they need.
Challenge: Confusion and missed opportunities are inevitable, especially for underserved populations.
STM Solution: Offering STM plans gives consumers a clear, supported path to protection when ACA guidance is lacking.

Reach out today to learn about options available to you:

American Insurance Benefits – Andy Orlikoff

www.AZhealth.us

623-742-3878

Located locally in Surprise Arizona, and serving the entire state.

Navigating ACA changes in 2026 is easier with a local broker who knows all your options. I’m Andy Orlikoff, an independent health insurance broker in Surprise, AZ. Call (623) 742-3878 or fill out the contact form — my help is always free.

Category: Obamacare (ACA)