The cost of health insurance is expected to increase by 6.5% in 2026, according to a new survey conducted by the consulting firm Mercer. If it does, it will be the biggest rise Americans have seen in 15 years. Below, we break down exactly what you need to know about this expected increase and share some expert-approved ways to save on your health insurance.
What to know about the projected health insurance price increase
Earlier this month, Mercer shared the results of their survey, predicting a steep increase in health insurance costs based on results of their 2025 National Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Plans, which included responses from more than 2,000 companies.
“Based on the projections, 2026 will be the fourth consecutive year of elevated health benefit cost growth following a decade of moderate annual increases averaging only about 3%. With pressure mounting on their healthcare budgets, the 2026 cost spike has been a call to action for many employers,” the site’s release read. “Survey results indicate that while the majority of employers will make changes to reduce cost increases in 2026, many are pursuing longer-term—even disruptive—strategies to slow cost growth.”
More than 170 million Americans reportedly use their employer’s health insurance policies because it’s often the least expensive and easiest option for them. Because of the expected increase, that might change, with Mercer saying “59% of employers will make cost-cutting changes to their plans in 2026—up from 48% making changes in 2025 and 44% in 2024. Generally, these involve raising deductibles and other cost-sharing provisions, which can lead to higher out-of-pocket costs for plan members when they seek care.”
How to save money on health insurance
“Healthcare ranks among the largest expenses for most Americans, with the average person spending more than $6,000 per year in care costs,” Whitney Stidom, vice president of consumer enablement at eHealth, told Woman’s World. “For people looking to save on care costs, it is key to make strategic coverage decisions based on personal needs and preferences, including drug regimens, preferred care providers and for help treating certain chronic conditions.”
To ensure you choose a plan that works for you and ensure you’re getting the benefits you need without paying more than you can afford, Ethan Pickner, founder of Arizona Health Insurance Brokers, recommends doing a simple math problem.
“Take the monthly premium, multiply it by 12 and then add in the out-of-pocket maximum. That gives you a pretty good idea of the most you’d spend in a year if things got expensive,” he explains. “Start with how often you go to the doctor, what prescriptions you take and whether you’ve got any big procedures coming up. Then weigh that against the premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket max. That’s the best way to land on a plan that balances cost and coverage.”
