08/27/2026
U.S. Health Premiums Since 2001: What Changed
Over the past 25 years, health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses have steadily increased across all major coverage categories in the U.S.—a trend I’ve observed firsthand throughout my career guiding individuals through Medicare and ACA health plans. Medical inflation has consistently outpaced general inflation, driving these costs higher as care, treatments, and hospital expenses continue to rise. For example, in 2026, the average Part B premium in federal health plans is set at $203 per month per person, a figure that underscores how elevated coverage costs remain. Experts point to several factors behind this growth: an aging population, costlier hospitalizations, advances in drug therapies, and ongoing consolidation among hospitals and insurers. The 2010 health law did help slow premium growth for some groups, but with certain subsidies expiring in 2026, we could see sharp increases again. Even with larger subsidies or reduced utilization, these measures have only provided temporary relief. Premiums are not expected to stabilize anytime soon, as state filings project increases of about 7% to 22% for next year. Navigating these changes requires a clear understanding of the landscape—something I’m committed to providing for my clients as they make important choices about their coverage.
