If you buy your own health insurance, big changes could be coming next year, and they could have a serious impact on your wallet.

As Congress debates whether to extend enhanced healthcare subsidies that have kept insurance premiums affordable since 2021, millions of Americans could soon face higher costs. If these subsidies expire, premiums for people buying coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace could more than double in 2026.

Here’s what’s happening, who’s most affected, and what steps you can take now to protect your financial plan.

What’s Changing

Since 2021, temporary federal subsidies have helped lower the cost of health insurance for millions of Americans. These subsidies were part of pandemic-era legislation and were extended several times, but that extension is set to expire.

If Congress doesn’t act, premiums on the ACA marketplace could jump from an average of $888 per year to $1,904.

For some, the impact is much greater. For example, a 60-year-old couple earning $85,000 could see their healthcare costs increase by nearly $23,000 per year.

Congress is expected to vote on the subsidy extension in December, but with government funding still uncertain, many experts warn that healthcare costs may climb regardless.

Who Will Feel It Most

Roughly 24 million Americans buy coverage through the ACA marketplace, including:

• Self-employed professionals
• Individuals without employer coverage
• Pre-retirees under 65 who haven’t yet qualified for Medicare
• Within that group, the biggest impact will fall on:
• Adults ages 55–64 – Older adults already face higher premiums due to age-based pricing.
• Single filers earning over $62,600 – You’ll hit the “subsidy cliff,” losing all federal premium assistance.
• Married couples earning $85,000–$128,600 – You’ll still receive a partial subsidy, but it will be significantly smaller.
• Early retirees – The years between leaving work and qualifying for Medicare could become far more expensive than expected.

Why This Matters for Your Financial Plan

Healthcare is one of the most underestimated expenses in retirement planning. Even for those still working, a sudden increase in premiums can strain your cash flow and delay financial goals.

For pre-retirees, this change could reshape your retirement timeline. If your healthcare costs rise by thousands per year, you may need to adjust savings targets, consider part-time income, or explore different coverage options.

For families and professionals, higher premiums mean less flexibility for other priorities, whether that’s travel, college funding, or charitable giving. These are the kinds of shifts that can quietly derail a well-structured financial plan if you’re not proactive.

What You Can Do Now

It’s too early to know what Congress will decide, but it’s not too early to prepare. Here are a few smart steps to take:

Estimate Your 2026 Costs:

Use the Kaiser Family Foundation’s ACA Premium Calculator to see how your premiums might change based on your age, location, income, and family size.

Plan for Every Scenario:

During this open enrollment period (through December 15), assume subsidies will not be extended. Evaluate whether your current plan aligns with your budget without requiring external assistance.

Review Your Financial Safety Net:

If higher costs would stretch your finances, consider building a dedicated healthcare fund, exploring part-time work with benefits, or joining a spouse’s plan.

Work With a Financial Advisor:

A certified planner can help you model different healthcare cost scenarios and adjust your retirement or cash flow strategy accordingly. Small tweaks now can protect your long-term goals.

Stay Proactive, Not Reactive

Healthcare costs are one of the biggest wildcards in financial planning, but you don’t have to navigate the uncertainty alone. By planning ahead and incorporating flexibility into your strategy, you can safeguard your wealth and maintain your peace of mind, regardless of what happens in Washington.

Want to see how potential premium changes could affect your plan?

Schedule a conversation with a Zenith Wealth Partners advisor today. We’ll help you prepare for higher costs, explore your options, and keep your goals on track.

→ Connect with Zenith Wealth Partners today.

– Zenith Wealth Partners

All written content is for information purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Zenith, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources and no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation.