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Are you prepared for what could be the
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biggest health insurance price shock in
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years? Imagine your premiums suddenly
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jumping by thousands of dollars. For
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millions of Americans, this nightmare
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scenario is about to become reality. The
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guessing game is over for millions of
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Americans who buy their own health
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insurance. States are now publishing the
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final approved premium rates for 2026
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affordable care act plans and the
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numbers are confirming what many have
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Without congressional action to extend
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enhanced subsidies, many families will
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face staggering price hikes that could
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make coverage unaffordable.
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Pennsylvania and New York are among the
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first states to release these final
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figures. These aren't estimates anymore.
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They're the real prices that will appear
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when open enrollment begins on November
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1st. The main driver behind the
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increases, the scheduled expiration of
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enhanced premium tax credits that have
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helped keep coverage affordable for
1:00
millions since the pandemic. Enhanced
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premium tax credits offered more help to
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those already eligible and expanded
1:07
assistance to people with higher incomes
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who previously didn't qualify.
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Pennsylvania's insurance department
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recently approved an average rate
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increase of 21.5% for its individual
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The impact on real families is
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staggering. A 60-year-old married couple
1:25
in York County earning $82,000
1:28
could see their annual premium increase
1:34
without the enhanced subsidies.
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These increases are higher than in
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recent years, even after blocking a
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number of excessive increases that
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insurers requested, said Pennsylvania
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Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphre.
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It's not just about the subsidies.
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Rising health costs, increased
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utilization after delayed procedures,
1:55
and federal uncertainty are all driving
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premium increases. The rate changes vary
2:00
significantly by insurance company. In
2:03
Pennsylvania, some approved increases
2:05
include AM better health at 37.8 8%
2:07
while Guisinger Health Plan is
2:12
What should you do? First, don't panic.
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Your specific rate change depends on
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your plan, income, age, and location.
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Update your information on your state
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marketplace account to ensure you get an
2:23
accurate eligibility determination for
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any financial aid you may still qualify
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for. Shop and compare different plans
2:31
side by side. Remember that plans are
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sorted into metal tiers, bronze, silver,
2:35
gold, and platinum, each with different
2:37
premium and out-ofpocket cost
2:41
Look beyond just the monthly premium.
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Consider the deductible, co-pays, and
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out-ofpocket maximum to find a plan that
2:47
truly fits your budget and health needs.
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Keep an eye on news from Washington. If
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Congress extends the enhanced premium
2:54
tax credits, states can work with
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insurers to quickly lower the final
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rates. Let's recap what we've learned
3:01
about the 2026 health insurance rates.
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States are now releasing final premium
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rates showing major increases without
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The expiration of enhanced premium tax
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credits is the main driver with
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Pennsylvania approving an average rate
3:16
increase of 21.5% for individual plans.
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Some families could see devastating
3:22
impacts, like the 60-year-old couple
3:24
whose premiums could jump from $7,32
3:32
To prepare, update your marketplace
3:34
information, shop, and compare plans
3:35
beyond just the premium price, and watch
3:38
for possible congressional action. Thank
3:40
you for watching our coverage of the
3:41
2026 health insurance rate changes. Stay
3:44
informed and be sure to review your
3:46
options during open enrollment to find
3:48
the best plan for your needs and budget.
