As a solo dev, I’ve been on ACA with my family for the past four years. In my market, a major insurance company is not returning for 2026 and the prices have gone bananas. Our premiums are increasing over 40%, all of our copays are more than doubling, and the deductible is astronomical. In many cases the cash pay price is probably cheaper than the insurance negotiated rate.

I’m the plus side, all bronze plans can contribute to HSAs next year.

We compared individual plans off market, but they’re mostly the same without HSA access or they’re targeting people with specific ailments (e.g. the diabetes plan).

On top of that, consolidation of hospital systems has made wait times for GPs months unless you’re lucky enough to find a cancelation. We have some older Canadian ex-pat friends and it seems like our health system has all of the downsides of socialized systems, plus we get to pay Cadillac prices.

I’m really hoping 2026 is so bad that something breaks enough to resolve some fundamental issues with private health costs, but I’m not naive enough to think it’s likely. ACA was such a monumental gift to someone, but it definitely not individuals who need family coverage.