ACA premiums surging for 2026 and many Texans say they’re panicking. Here’s why it’s happening, who’s hit the hardest and what experts say you can do right now.
HOUSTON — If your health insurance renewal letter brought some major sticker shock, you’re far from alone. Millions of Americans who rely on Affordable Care Act plans are bracing for dramatic premium hikes in 2026 — and many families say they’re now being forced to make painful choices about their budgets and their healthcare.
“I was flabbergasted,” said Maria Elena Sade. “I couldn’t believe the figure I saw.”
Sade is one of roughly 24 million Americans currently enrolled in an ACA (“Obamacare”) marketplace plan. Like most enrollees, she depends on federal tax credits to keep her monthly premium affordable. But those subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year unless Congress takes action.
For Maria Elena, that means her $250 monthly premium will jump to more than $1,100 — a 340% increase.
“Can I afford that? No,” she told KHOU 11. “It’s going to be a disaster for a lot of people.”
She’s not the only one doing the math and panicking.
“I cannot afford not to have healthcare,” said Elena Vega.
Across Houston, Vega is facing the same dilemma. Her premium is increasing from $530 a month to nearly $1,000 beginning in January.
“We’ll have to cut expenses to pay it,” she said. “It’s big pressure. I’m upset because this shouldn’t be happening.”
Many shopping on HealthCare.gov are finding it difficult — if not impossible — to locate cheaper options.
Insurance brokers are seeing the surge firsthand
Houston health insurance broker Stephen Herbert, owner of Herbert Insurance LLC, says the premium spikes are widespread — and alarming.
“Are people worried?” asked KHOU 11’s Marcelino Benito. “Heck yeah. It’s their health insurance, it’s their budgets,” he said.
In recent weeks, he’s seen clients hit with massive increases:
“One client went from $500 to $1,400 a month,” said Herbert. “That’s substantial.”
Herbert fears many will drop coverage entirely, pushing more people into emergency rooms for basic care — a move that could drive healthcare costs even higher for everyone.
What you can do right now
Herbert says there are steps consumers can take to reduce the financial hit:
1. Shop around on HealthCare.gov
Plans change every year. A lower-cost alternative might be available.
2. Don’t overlook Bronze plans
They’re HSA-friendly this year and could mean real savings.
“Look at the gold premium versus the bronze premium,” Herbert said. “Move to bronze, take the savings, and put it in your tax-deductible HSA.”
3. Always confirm your doctor is in-network
Before switching plans, double-check that your preferred physicians and hospitals are covered.
4. Read the fine print
Know your deductible, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums so you understand your true costs.
5. Talk to a licensed health insurance agent
It’s free — and it can keep you from making a costly mistake. You can find licensed agents directly through HealthCare.gov.
The clock is ticking
A last-minute move by Congress could temporarily keep premiums down — but families like Maria Elena’s and Elena’s are preparing for the worst.
“You shouldn’t have to go broke to get health insurance,” Sade said.
Remember ACA open enrollment ends December 15.
We’ll continue following developments in Congress and updating this story on KHOU.com.