Health Insurance Premiums Will Rise 16% This November
Residents buying marketplace plans in PA, NJ, and DE face higher costs as federal subsidies for insurance expire.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Insurance
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Starting November 1, individuals purchasing health coverage in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware will see average premium increases of 16%. This shift occurs as COVID-era federal subsidies for marketplace plans come to an end.
Why it matters
The expiration of federal support combined with rising costs for new prescription drugs and genetic treatments is forcing insurers to adjust their rates. These higher premiums directly impact the monthly budgets of households relying on the exchanges for their medical coverage.
Marketplace enrollees face a 16% average premium hike compared to previous periods. This adjustment affects all individuals purchasing through state and federal insurance exchanges.
The players
Pennie
The official state-run health insurance marketplace for Pennsylvania that facilitates plan enrollment.
Get Covered NJ
The state-run health insurance marketplace providing coverage options for New Jersey residents.
The details
Insurance providers are passing the costs of expensive new prescription drugs and genetic treatments to the entire insurance pool. Additionally, the expense of providing uncompensated care to uninsured individuals is being distributed among paying customers within the exchange pools. Households should anticipate these higher costs when renewing their plans during the upcoming enrollment window.
Timeline
November 1: Open enrollment for health insurance begins.
Money Landscape
This premium jump marks a departure from the recent period of pandemic-era federal subsidies that kept exchange costs lower. It aligns with broader trends in healthcare, where the rising cost of advanced pharmaceuticals exerts direct pressure on insurance pool pricing.
Households should review their current plan benefits and expected premiums immediately to prepare for the upcoming enrollment cycle. If you rely on marketplace coverage, consider discussing your specific budget constraints and coverage needs with a qualified financial or tax professional.
The takeaway
The end of federal subsidies means most households will face higher monthly insurance costs starting in November. Use the upcoming open enrollment period to compare all available plans and confirm your household subsidy eligibility with a licensed professional.
Further reading
To better understand how to manage your upcoming coverage choices, visit Insurance.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Audacy.
Live Poll
Are you concerned that rising health insurance premiums will make it unaffordable for you to remain covered?
