Did your ACA Marketplace premium go up this year?
1) Enhanced subsidies ended
The “enhanced” premium tax credits that made Marketplace plans cheaper for millions expired on January 1, 2026, causing many people’s net premiums to rise — especially middle-income households who previously benefited the most.
Your subsidy is tied to the benchmark plan (the second-lowest-cost Silver plan). For 2026, benchmark premiums rose significantly — analyses have found increases around ~20%+ in many markets, with CMS and researchers noting a large jump for 2026.
3) The “benchmark plan” may not be the one you chose
Even if your plan price didn’t change much, your subsidy can change if the benchmark plan changed in your county. That’s because premium tax credits are calculated off that benchmark.
4) Your income estimate may be off (even slightly)
Marketplace savings depend heavily on your estimated annual household income. A small change (or a wrong estimate) can reduce credits and raise your monthly premium.
5) Age rating can amplify increases
Marketplace premiums generally rise with age (older adults can be charged more than younger adults under ACA rules), so increases can hit harder after 55.
1) Re-shop your plan — even if you like what you have
This is the biggest one. Plans change pricing every year, and the cheapest option last year may not be the cheapest now. Start by comparing:
Lowest-cost Bronze
Several Silver plans
Any plan that includes your doctors and medications
CMS specifically notes that shopping and plan selection matter because tax credits and plan pricing shift year-to-year.
2) Update your application income (don’t “set and forget”)
Log in and update:
Household size
Expected 2026 income
Retirement date changes
Social Security start date
Part-time income changes
Why this matters: premium tax credits are based on the info in your application, and the benchmark plan cost for your area.
3) Check if a Silver plan gives you extra savings (CSR)
If your income is in the range that qualifies for cost-sharing reductions (CSR), a Silver plan can lower:
deductibles
copays
out-of-pocket costs
Even if the monthly premium is slightly higher than Bronze, total annual cost can be much lower if you use care.
4) Compare “total yearly cost,” not just the monthly premium
A $0–$40/month plan can still be expensive if:
The deductible is huge
You have frequent prescriptions
You expect labs, imaging, or specialist visits
Use the plan’s out-of-pocket maximum as a reality check.
5) Use legal “income planning” if you’re near a subsidy cliff
If you’re close to a cutoff where your monthly premium jumps, talk to a tax pro about ways that may reduce your MAGI (modified adjusted gross income), such as:
timing of retirement account withdrawals
IRA contributions (when eligible)
HSA contributions (if your plan qualifies)
Even small changes in how income lands can change your subsidy.
6) Don’t miss Medicaid or Medicare transitions
If you’re nearing 65, Medicare timing matters — and if your income dropped, you may qualify for Medicaid in some states. Your best option may not be the Marketplace anymore.
7) Confirm you’re not paying “full price by mistake”
This happens more than people think. Common reasons:
You didn’t re-enroll correctly
Your tax credit didn’t apply due to missing verification
Your plan was auto-renewed but your benchmark changed
Check your Marketplace dashboard for notices and ensure your tax credit is applied to the plan you actually chose.
A quick “why did my bill jump?” checklist
When you log in, look for these 4 items:
Did my tax credit drop?
Did the benchmark plan change in my county? (SLCSP)
Did my income estimate change or get flagged?
Did my plan change tiers, network, or pricing?
Before you pay next month’s bill, do this:
Run a fresh plan comparison in your zip code and re-check income.
That single step catches most premium surprises — and often finds a cheaper plan.
With care,
Mike Bridges
Founder, The O55 Report