This analysis of preliminary rate filings submitted by 105 ACA Marketplace insurers in 19 states and DC finds that ACA Marketplace insurers are requesting a median premium increase of 15% for 2026, which would represent the largest hike in premiums since 2018, the last time policy uncertainty contributed to sharp premium growth.
Note that the expiration of the "enhanced" premium tax credits mean that for many people their premiums would not just double, they might rise by a factor of TEN or more, especially older people not yet eligible for Medicare.
This is the very nature of forcing someone else to pay your bill: The entire system delivering whatever it is becomes convinced (and will lobby) for it being "essential" and you will also get drunk on it, as I've pointed out with my beer and single-malt example.
Yes, I'm one of the people who will face either (1) shutting down all economic activity so as to remain within the limit for the credit, (2) paying a ridiculous amount of money for something that is both very unlikely to be of any value at all and of limited value if a disaster happens or (3) running naked.
You could decide, since 20% of the population is in this sector (health care generally) that you will shun them in all respects, including their children, spouses and everyone else in their family line such that they are forced to live as hermits if they keep scamming as they have for the last three decades -- but you won't, just as you haven't. I've pointed out that this is an entirely-legal means of putting a stop to this **** -- Eliquis for $7,000 a year when its $700 in Germany and $60 for 100 pills in India -- neither of which is sold at a loss.
But since you refused to do that because "oh that's my son / daughter / wife / husband / kid / bestie / whatever" and so now here you are about to get financially raped up the ass.
AGAIN......
The leadership will either be bought off or blackmailed (what do you think Epstein was really about?) thus neutered and you will have wasted your time again, never mind waiting for that which will not come after you expend your time, funds or both.
That's why you have to start with you, personally, even if it comes with cost -- and it will -- (e.g. your so-called "friends" who you call that but have been raping you up the ass financially for a decade or more), and tell every person when you do stick up the middle finger or say "Check please!" in the bar or restaurant when one of those dickheads appears in the same place every single time and are challenged on it why you're doing it -- and that you're not going to stop until they stop, with finality, financially raping you.
Shunning people to the point they cannot set foot in a public place without facing either a middle finger or you vacating the premises and denying any merchant who happens to be caught in the middle your funds is legal, there's not a damned thing anyone can do to force you to stop and just as cowardice is contagious so is courage.
I've been doing this now for over a decade. "Check please!" is not hard. Nor is getting up out up out of the pew and moving to the other side of the church -- or walking out the door. Nor is giving the middle finger to politicians, employees of these firms and their families. Nor is refusing to in any way consider them anything at all other than to be avoided in all respects as social pariahs. The Amish have done it forever and yes, one person will not change the world -- but one can lead to two, two to four and so on which can and will change the world.
IF it starts with you.
Right now, and today.
Because if you don't then either you or they will play the "they're all free" card as that's all that will remain available.
