Health insurance costs hit record highs in 2026. See what employer-sponsored coverage, ACA marketplace plans, and HDHPs actually cost working Americans — and where they fall short.

For the first time in years, ACA marketplace enrollment dropped in 2026 — not because fewer people needed coverage, but because millions could no longer afford it. We break down the real cost of health insurance today, what's driving the increases, and the six paths Americans are weighing when traditional coverage is out of reach.

The healthcare industry stands at a critical inflection point. As policy priorities evolve and budget constraints intensify, organizations that view disruption as opportunity—rather than threat—will thrive.