Obamacare 2026 enrollment savings

Obamacare plans prices to increase 26% in 2026
Latino families could lose access to coverage
Learn key strategies to lower health costs

The new Obamacare open enrollment season comes with record-setting price increases.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average cost of health insurance in 2026 for Hispanic and other enrollees will rise by 26%, the largest increase since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) began.

Facing this steep rise, millions of families are now looking for ways to save money without losing their health coverage.

2026 Health Insurance: Historic Increases and Why Prices Are Rising

Users of healthcare.gov, the federal marketplace, will be hit the hardest — with hikes reaching up to 30%. In state-run exchanges, the average increase will be about 17%.

Experts point to several main causes:

Rising hospital costs due to inflation
Higher prescription drug prices
The expiration of temporary federal subsidies

These increases mark a turning point for the health system. If tax credits aren’t renewed, many middle-income families could lose crucial financial support.

As a result, thousands may drop their health coverage entirely — straining public hospitals and increasing overall healthcare inequity.

ACA Enrollment Costs 2026: What It Means for Latino Families

The Latino community is among the hardest hit by Obamacare’s rising costs.

Many Hispanics rely on ACA subsidies to afford health plans, but if federal tax credits expire, the cheapest “Bronze” plans will carry deductibles exceeding $7,000, making them nearly impossible to afford for working-class families.

Families earning over four times the federal poverty level will also lose access to subsidies, facing a double blow — higher premiums and no discounts.

For many, the choice will be stark: pay more or lose health insurance altogether.

Obamacare 2026 Enrollment Savings Tips

Despite the increases, there are several smart strategies to help reduce costs during the ACA 2026 open enrollment period:

✅ Update your income and household size
Subsidies are calculated based on your projected income and the number of people in your household. If your income has dropped or your family situation has changed, update your Marketplace information — you could qualify for a larger subsidy or avoid tax repayment later.

✅ Compare plans before renewing
Don’t assume your current plan is still the cheapest. Prices, coverage, and provider networks change every year. Compare Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers and confirm your preferred doctors and hospitals are included.

✅ Take advantage of subsidies and cost reductions
If you meet income requirements, you may qualify for reduced copayments or deductibles. Some states also offer supplemental programs for families with children or seniors.

✅ Use online tools
Healthcare.gov provides calculators and comparison tools showing your final cost with and without subsidies. Using them helps you understand how much you can save before choosing a plan, which makes them a great tool to make some savings in the Obamacare 2026 enrollment season.

Impact on the Hispanic Community

For many Hispanics in the U.S., health insurance is more than an expense — it’s a safety net that protects families from catastrophic medical debt.

The surge in premiums and uncertainty over federal subsidies threaten that security.

Community organizations and local clinics are already offering free guidance to help Latino families navigate ACA 2026 enrollment, explaining options based on immigration status and income.

In addition, several states with large Hispanic populations — such as California, Texas, and Florida — are exploring state-funded subsidies to cushion the blow of federal cuts.

What’s Next

The health insurance enrollment season runs through the end of January 2026.

Analysts expect millions of Americans to reassess their health plans and seek alternatives to lower costs.

Reviewing your options early, comparing coverage levels, and keeping your household information updated could be the difference between staying protected and falling out of the healthcare system.