What to Do When Your Health Plan Rates Spike or Your Carrier Exits

Health insurance premiums are rising sharply for 2026, with some plans seeing increases of 20% or more.

Premium increases averaging 15-25% are becoming common as insurers adjust to rising medical costs. But a rate increase or plan termination doesn’t mean you’re stuck with fewer options or higher costs.

Your Three Main Options

Option 1: Shop Different Insurance Plans Other carriers may offer similar coverage at lower rates with different networks or slightly modified benefits.

Option 2: Adjust Your Deductible Moving from a $1,000 to a $5,000 deductible might save $200-400 per month if you’re generally healthy.

Option 3: Consider Health Sharing Plans Health sharing plans often cost 50-70% less than traditional insurance while providing similar protection for major medical expenses.

Health Sharing Advantages

Health sharing plans provide unique benefits when traditional insurance markets become unstable.

Unlike insurance companies, health sharing organizations rarely exit markets suddenly or implement dramatic rate increases. Members benefit from no network restrictions, direct relationships with providers, and transparent pricing.

When Your Plan Is Cancelled

Steps to take:

1. Don’t panic – You have until the end of open enrollment
2. Gather your current plan details to compare benefits
3. List your preferred doctors and medications
4. Calculate your total annual costs

Tip: Plan cancellations often happen because carriers can’t compete on price, which frequently means other options are available at lower costs.

Take Action Now

Your Personal Benefits Manager can review all available options in your area and help calculate total annual costs for different scenarios if needed.

Consider reaching out if you’re experiencing:

• Premium increases over 15%
• Plan cancellations or benefit reductions
• Network changes affecting your doctors
• Uncertainty about your options

We’re here to help if you need us, but there’s no pressure if you’re satisfied with your current plan.

Remember, open enrollment deadline pressure often leads to hasty decisions. Taking time now to review your options can save thousands annually.

Click here to schedule an appointment, or call 800-913-0172 to get started.    

To your health and wealth,

Wiley P. Long, III
President - HSA for America

Author of Health Sharing: The Authoritative Guide to America’s Fastest-Growing Health Insurance Alternative

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