Why Did Health Insurance Get So Expensive?
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1. Bill shock
For millions of Americans, health insurance got much more expensive in 2026.
2. The discount
During the pandemic, Congress added extra subsidies that made Obamacare plans cheaper.
3. It ended
Those extra subsidies ended on December 31, 2025.
4. 58% more
The average marketplace customer now pays $178 a month, up from $113. That's a 58% jump.
5. Deductibles
Deductibles rose by more than $1,000, to about $3,800 on average.
6. Dropped out
About 3 million fewer people are paying for a plan this year.
7. At work too
Insurance through work went up too. A family plan now costs $28,303 a year, and workers pay $7,471 of it, up 9%.
8. Why
Behind it: pricier hospitals, expensive new drugs like weight-loss shots, and more people using care.
9. Compare
Early forecasts point to workplace premiums rising nearly 10% in 2027.
Open enrollment is the time to compare plans.