Seniors planning to use ACA (Affordable Care Act) marketplace health insurance in 2026 need to prepare for likely large increases in costs. Of course, nothing is set in stone just yet, but it’s wise to have a few things in mind.
In a previous article we explained how seven provisions in the new OBBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) are generating those large cost increases. This article will put some numbers on those likely large cost increases. We will also explain the “cliff” income level that seniors need to vigilantly monitor.
“Falling Off a Cliff”
In his recent song, Stavros Solomos laments:
Falling off a cliff, can’t turn back now,
Got the world in a spin, don’t know how . . .
Four Key Points to Keep in Mind
The two tables below show examples of 2026 estimated likely increases in marketplace health insurance costs.
Both tables examine insurance plans available to residents of Marion County, Florida. The costs were calculated using the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) calculator.
#1: Cost Could Get as High as $26,222 for a Senior Couple
Most striking in the first table is the dramatic $18,572 increase in estimated 2026 yearly cost, from $7,650 to $26,222 for a senior couple whose sample income reaches $90,000.
#2: Cost Could Get as High as $13,184 for a Senior Individual
#3: “Cliff Drop” Straight Down to Zero
The dramatic likely cost increases result from changes in the way ACA financial help is provided at various income levels. As illustrated in our previous article, and shown again below, at certain income levels, you could lose ALL of your ACA financial help. The red line in this chart illustrates the “cliff drop” of ACA financial help.
#4: Get Your Personal Estimate
Beginning November 1, you can get your official government estimate of your 2026 ACA insurance premium. Go to HealthCare.gov and begin by indicating the state you live in, how many people in your household, and how much income your household is expected to make in 2026.
Planning for Big Rises in Costs for ACA Marketplace Health Insurance
Knowing that you likely will see large increases in the cost of your ACA health insurance could help you feel a little less stunned when you see your 2026 estimate from HealthCare.gov. Understanding that the cliff drop in ACA financial help could lead to dramatic increases in cost should alert you to take steps to control your income level.
Credible information, clear understanding and thoughtful planning can empower you to avoid the cliff drop and get the most from ACA’s financial help. Guidance from a knowledgeable and experienced financial planner could help you navigate through changes and complexity. Expert financial planning could help you avoid the “falling off the cliff” that Stavros Solomos laments.
Editor’s Note: All images provided by author, Kevin Lam.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
How are you preparing for the likely large increases in 2026 ACA (Affordable Care Act) marketplace health insurance costs? What additional information would you like to have? How will you plan to take manage the higher costs you might see for your ACA health insurance? Please join the conversation.
