Obamacare Premiums Spike for 2026—Will Congress Save You From the Hike?

Millions of Americans in a dozen states just got a rude awakening: their 2026 Obamacare premiums are going up—some by double digits. The price hikes, now public on state and federal health insurance exchanges, come at a moment of deep uncertainty in Washington, where lawmakers are locked in a high-stakes debate over whether to extend the enhanced subsidies that have kept coverage affordable for millions since 2021 .

What We Know About the 2026 Obamacare Premium Increases

Early data from states like California, New York, Texas, and Florida shows average premium increases ranging from 7% to as high as 14% for benchmark silver plans—the most commonly selected option on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace . These hikes are driven by a mix of rising medical costs, hospital billing pressures, and insurer recalibrations after years of pandemic-related volatility.

For a 45-year-old nonsmoker in Dallas, for example, the lowest-cost silver plan could jump from $520/month in 2025 to nearly $590/month in 2026—before any subsidies are applied .

The Looming Subsidy Cliff

Here’s the real kicker: these sticker prices might not be what most people actually pay—if Congress acts. Since 2021, the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act have expanded premium tax credits, shielding millions from full premium costs. But those enhanced subsidies are set to expire at the end of 2025 unless lawmakers intervene.

If Congress fails to extend them, an estimated 13 million Americans could see their monthly premiums double—or worse. Middle-income enrollees (those earning between 400% and 600% of the federal poverty level) would be hit hardest, as they currently benefit most from the temporary subsidy expansion .

State-by-State Snapshot of 2026 Changes

State	Avg. Silver Plan Increase	Notes
California	+9%	Largest exchange; stable insurer participation
Florida	+12%	High uninsured rate; limited competition in rural areas
New York	+7%	State subsidies may offset federal uncertainty
Texas	+14%	No state-based subsidies; high reliance on federal help

What You Can Do Now

Don’t panic—but do act. Open enrollment for 2026 ACA plans begins November 1, 2025. Here’s how to protect yourself:

Re-shop your plan. Even if you’re auto-renewed, new insurers or lower-cost options may be available.
Update your income info. Subsidy eligibility is based on projected 2026 income—small changes can mean big savings.
Watch Congress. A last-minute subsidy extension is still possible before year-end.