Brace yourself for skyrocketing health insurance costs next year. Here’s who’s set to take the biggest hit in 2026

State laws currently prohibit this kind of information from appearing on credit reports. While the CFPB’s guidance is not legally binding, it could still influence courts.

Chi Chi Wu of the National Consumer Law Center said this is a brutal move just as the tax credits are set to expire. He said people will not only pay more out of pocket for health care, but their credit scores will be compromised.

“Trump’s CFPB is doubling down on the harm, seeking to allow this medical debt to ruin people’s financial report cards and make it harder for them to get credit, rental housing, and jobs,” he said.

What to do before prices jump

If you’re worried about health care costs, you’re not alone. More than half of the respondents to a recent AP/National Opinion Research Center poll are “extremely” worried about health care costs (4).

Here are some ways you can prepare for higher rates in 2026:

Compare plans early. During open enrollment, don’t just auto-renew, try shopping around. The KFF Marketplace Calculator can help estimate what you’ll pay with or without subsidies.

Run the numbers on income thresholds. If your household income is near 400% of the federal poverty level, try to estimate next year’s earnings carefully because even small shifts can change your eligibility for assistance.

Plan for out-of-pocket spikes. Rising premiums often go hand-in-hand with higher deductibles. Prepare for it by building a small health emergency fund now since this could help prevent a bigger financial strain later (5).

Stay informed. Lawmakers could still act to renew ACA tax credits, which would help. But with political gridlock in Washington, it’s safest to prepare as if the subsidies will expire.

If Congress doesn’t step in, millions of Americans, especially self-employed workers and older individuals nearing retirement, could soon face the toughest health insurance market in a decade.

The best course of action is to stay informed and be as prepared as possible to help you weather the changes ahead.