If you're one of the millions relying on Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans—aka Obamacare—brace yourself: insurers are pushing for steep premium hikes in 2026, with some customers facing jumps of over 20%. The blame falls on rising healthcare costs and recent federal policy tweaks, though the exact impact will vary by state and plan.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another insurance rate story—it’s about real people potentially getting priced out of coverage they depend on. The ACA marketplaces were designed to keep healthcare accessible, but if these increases stick, affordability takes a hit. It also puts pressure on policymakers to address the underlying issues driving costs up, from hospital prices to prescription drugs. For anyone buying their own insurance, it’s a heads-up to start planning (or protesting).