Illinois Man Shocked as Affordable Care Act Premiums Nearly Triple for 2026

Many Americans are opening their mail this week to find shocking increases in their health insurance premiums under the Affordable Care Act.

In Petersburg, Illinois, retired resident Todd Fliss says his monthly payments are set to soar from $564 to nearly $1,400 starting January 1 — a jump of more than $800. “I knew things were changing given the administration and expected a bump,” Fliss said, “but not $1,400 a month versus five-sixty.”

The sharp increases are tied to Congress’ failure to extend pandemic-era subsidies that had kept healthcare costs lower for millions of Americans. Without them, insurers are raising rates or, in some cases, exiting the marketplace altogether.

“If this is indicative of what is transpiring, it’s just wrong,” Fliss said. “When it gets to $1,400 a month, it doesn’t make sense.”

Fliss, who was able to retire early because of manageable premiums, said he only wants insurance to cover major emergencies. “If I could do that with the Affordable Care Act, I’d be good,” he said. “But that’s not an option.”

Enrollment for new Affordable Care Act plans opens within the next week. As premiums rise across the country, consumer advocates say federal and state officials must act quickly to restore affordability. “We need to get in front of this and ensure that folks have affordable medical insurance,” one local official said.

Credit: WAND / NBC Newschannel

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