Bay Area Affordable Care Act policyholders brace for price hikes

"Talia Mindich of Berkeley will see the cost of her Affordable Care Act health insurance plan rise by $72 monthly next year. Tessa Spargo of San Francisco will see an even bigger monthly premium hike of $143, but sees no way around it she needs to see doctors regularly for a chronic health condition. And without coverage, Spargo, a language teacher, said, you're really up the creek."

"Mindich and Spargo are among the 2 million Californians and 24 million across the U.S. whose Affordable Care Act coverage costs are set to rise dramatically starting in January, when enhanced tax credits expire. Those credits, which beefed-up government assistance for health care bills, were approved by Congress as the COVID-19 pandemic raged. What, if anything, Congress will do about the rising costs is now at the heart of ongoing discussions at the Capitol."

"The stakes are high for millions of patients, and the results could have major political ramifications. Democrats are expected to seize on the expiring tax credits, and unaffordable health care more broadly, in their quest to retake Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. Open enrollment for Covered California, the state's version of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, began on Nov. 1."

ACA marketplace premiums will rise sharply in 2026 as enhanced COVID-era tax credits expire, affecting roughly 2 million Californians and 24 million nationwide. Individual monthly increases vary by income; examples include $72 and $143 hikes for two Bay Area enrollees. Covered California reports an average monthly premium increase of $125 for 2026, a 97% jump. Open enrollment runs Nov. 1 through Jan. 31 for plan renewals or changes. Policymakers in Congress are debating responses, and the premium spikes carry potential political consequences for upcoming elections given concerns about health care affordability.

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