North Carolina Department Of Insurance Announces Premium Increase For Marketplace Plans
This Wednesday, the North Carolina Department of Insurance, led by Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, officially confirmed it approved an insurance premium increase for ACA Marketplace plans.
For those in North Carolina who have individual ACA coverage, the average rate will increase by nearly 28.6% in 2026. The increases for individual insurance policies range from 16.88% to 36.4%. The increases for small group policies range from 12.66% to 17.5%. Open enrollment for 2026 ACA policies runs from Nov. 1, 2025, to Jan. 15, 2026. Signing up by Dec. 15, 2025, ensures your coverage will begin on Jan. 1, 2026. Coverage for those signing up after Dec. 15, 2025, will begin on Feb. 1, 2026.
“I ask people purchasing ACA health insurance to go to healthcare.gov and find which plan works best for you,” Commissioner Causey said. “Increased costs in healthcare as well as the expiration of federal subsidies result in premiums going up for many on the individual market. It’s more important than ever to begin researching your health insurance options early.”
In addition to ACA plans, Commissioner Causey urges North Carolinians to consider other options:
Enroll in job-based coverage. This may be the most affordable option for many individuals and families. If you’re employed and your employer offers health benefits, you may qualify to enroll in health insurance through your employer, even if you declined this coverage in the past. You may also be able to enroll in coverage through your spouse’s employer or, if you are younger than 26, through your parents’ employer.
Enroll in a plan through a private insurer. You may purchase coverage through an agent or broker, or directly from a health insurance company. You may find plans that cost less than an ACA plan. Just be sure they provide the coverage you need.
Enroll in a student health plan. If you’re younger than 30 and enrolled in school, you may be eligible for a student health plan. Contact your school to explore this option.
Whatever you do, it is important to you and everyone to maintain health insurance.
Impact on North Carolina
Over a million North Carolinians utilize a healthcare plan through the ACA exchange, and some estimate that 157,000 North Carolinians will lose coverage and 888,000 will face increased costs if Congress declines to extend the tax credits.
The Urban Institute estimates that nearly 600,000 Nonelderly veterans would be impacted across the country by these premium increases, and North Carolina is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the United States.
As we previously reported, polling shows that extending the ACA tax credits is a winning issue for candidates for the United States Senate.
Tim’s Take: Democrats will try to make healthcare a top issue in 2026, mainly because they are underwater on every other issue facing the American people, whether it’s the economy, national security, immigration, or education. Republicans find themselves in the common but challenging position of fixing the Democrats’ disastrous policy choices. Over the last decade, it is evident that the Affordable Care Act has increased healthcare costs. But until Republicans put together a comprehensive approach to fixing healthcare, stopgap measures will be needed to mitigate the damage to Americans caused by Democrats’ failed policies.
