4. Some major insurers are exiting certain markets and reducing plan offerings

Coverage options may shrink in some states or counties. For example:

• In Illinois starting Jan 1, 2026: Aetna CVS, Health Alliance, and Cigna (in Cook County) will no longer offer marketplace plans.
• For Medicare Advantage and Part D drug coverage, major carriers are reducing offerings in certain regions.

What you should do: If your insurer says they’ll no longer serve your location in 2026, start early to compare alternate plans, verify provider networks, and avoid surprises during open enrollment.

5. Employer-sponsored health plan costs expected to jump

Not only individual market plans are affected — employer-sponsored plans are seeing cost pressures too.

A survey found health benefit cost per employee is expected to rise 6.5% on average in 2026 — the highest increase since 2010.

How that may affect you:

Employers may shift costs to employees via higher premiums, higher deductibles, or narrower networks.

Smaller employers may reconsider offering full-benefit plans or opt for alternatives like Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs).

Tip for employees: Review any changes in plan design for 2026; don’t assume things stay the same.