Ohioans Face Sharp Health Insurance Premium Increases in 2026

Ohio residents could see their health insurance premiums rise significantly starting in 2026 if federal tax credits supporting the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are not renewed. Although the recent federal government shutdown has concluded, the expiration of these crucial credits at the end of the year threatens to reshape the health insurance landscape across the state.

The enhanced premium tax credits, which have played a vital role in making health coverage more affordable, were a contentious issue during the shutdown negotiations. Despite the resolution, lawmakers did not extend these credits, leading to projections of double-digit percentage increases in insurance costs. Open enrollment for the ACA began on November 1, and the implications of this change are expected to be profound.

Projected Increases in Premiums and Uninsured Rates

According to a policy brief from the Health Policy Institute of Ohio, Ohioans should prepare for substantial premium hikes on the federal marketplace. The report highlights that states managing their own health marketplaces anticipate an average premium increase of 17%. In contrast, those relying on the federal marketplace, like Ohio, may experience an average jump of 30%. This marks the most significant increase requested by insurers since 2018.

The research conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) indicates that, without the tax credits, annual premiums could rise by over 75% in 2024. For instance, a 60-year-old couple earning $85,000 may see their annual premiums soar by more than $22,000 in 2026. Meanwhile, younger individuals and families will also feel the pinch. A 27-year-old with a $35,000 income could see premiums leap from $1,033 to $2,615, while a 35-year-old couple earning $30,000 would jump from paying nothing to over $1,100 annually.

The potential uninsurance rate in Ohio could increase by 29%, with an estimated additional 140,000 residents at risk of losing their coverage due to the expiration of these tax credits. The policy brief emphasizes that many individuals who previously relied on marketplace coverage may not qualify for Medicaid and are unlikely to have employer-sponsored insurance.

Broader Impact on Health Services and Advocacy

Rising premiums are not the only concern. Experts attribute these increases to various factors, including higher hospital costs, increased demand for expensive medications, and economic pressures such as inflation and labor shortages. Furthermore, recent cuts to Medicaid funding have already strained health services. For example, the ban on funding directed toward Planned Parenthood health clinics has resulted in staff reductions and clinic closures, affecting access to preventive care and reproductive health services.

The Health Policy Institute of Ohio and other advocacy groups have voiced their concerns regarding the expiration of the tax credits, pointing out that public support for their renewal remains strong. As Ohioans weigh their healthcare options for 2026, the looming increases in costs and diminished support could lead many to forgo necessary coverage, ultimately impacting their health and wellbeing.

In summary, without immediate action to renew federal tax credits for the ACA, Ohio residents are bracing for an uncertain healthcare future characterized by escalating insurance costs and a heightened risk of uninsurance. The situation underscores the ongoing need for policy interventions to safeguard access to affordable healthcare for all.