Why 2026 Insurance Premiums are climbing and what that means for you.
Across the country, insurers are raising premiums on standard individual marketplace plans by a median of 18%–20% for 2026 compared with 2025.
Some insurers are requesting premium increases even higher — up to 25%–30% or more — especially where medical costs are rising fast, prescription drugs are expensive, and utilization is up.
For employer-sponsored plans, many experts project a 6%–7% increase in premiums in 2026.
Health-cost inflation, rising prescription drug costs (especially specialty drugs), higher utilization, and economic pressures on providers all contribute to rising premiums. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
What this means for you
not only could your monthly insurance premiums go up, but your out-of-pocket costs, deductibles, and overall healthcare expenses may increase too.
Given this reality, combining DPC with a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) or a Bronze/Catastrophic plan may be the most cost-effective and practical option.
How DPC Changes the Way You Approach Open Enrollment (Especially in 2026)
When your primary care is already covered — through your DPC membership at our clinic, you don’t need to judge plans based on doctor visits or routine care. Instead, you can use open enrollment to focus on what insurance should cover:
Catastrophic events (accidents, hospitalizations, surgeries)
Specialist care, imaging, or major procedures
Unexpected emergencies
By pairing DPC with a low-premium, high-deductible plan or catastrophic coverage, many patients can significantly reduce their total healthcare spending — while still having peace of mind that major events are financially protected.
Plus:
In 2026, more Bronze and Catastrophic marketplace plans will be compatible with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) — making it easier to save pre-tax dollars for future care.
A DPC + (HDHP + HSA) combo gives predictable costs for everyday care, and tax-advantaged savings for everything else.
What to Consider During Open Enrollment (2026 Edition)
1. Don’t Overbuy Insurance. Because DPC Already Covers Your Primary Care
With our clinic’s $125/month membership, your routine and preventive care are handled.
No copays, no surprise bills, no “limited number of visits per year.”
You don’t need the most expensive plan just to see a doctor.
2. Focus on Premiums and Out-of-Pocket Costs
Given rising rates, premium savings can stack up fast.
Compare a high-premium PPO vs. a lower-premium HDHP or catastrophic plan — you may save hundreds monthly.
3. Ensure Protection for Major Costs
Your insurance should cover what DPC doesn’t:
ER visits
Hospital stays
Surgeries
Specialist consults
Expensive imaging or procedures
4. Use an HSA-Eligible Plan
Because of new 2026 rules, many bronze/catastrophic plans work with HSAs now, so you can stash pre-tax funds to cover deductibles, medications, and labs.
5. Think About Your Family or Health Needs
If you have children, chronic conditions, or foresee major medical events this year — make sure your plan’s protection reflects that.
DPC + Insurance = Full Coverage, Fewer Headaches
Think of your DPC membership at our clinic as your foundation. Reliable, predictable, and personal.
Think of insurance as the safety net, there for big, unpredictable events.
When combined properly, they deliver:
Access to a quality primary care provider year-round
Significantly lower monthly premiums and total costs
Protection against the financial risk of emergencies or major health events
What to Do Next — 2026 Open Enrollment Game Plan
Sign up for (or keep) your DPC membership at our clinic.
Compare available 2026 health insurance plans focusing on low premiums, HSA-eligibility, and broad catastrophic coverage.
Use an HSA — even modest contributions can build a tax-advantaged cushion for labs, meds, and unexpected care.
Consider supplemental plans (dental, vision, critical-illness, etc.) if needed, but avoid overspending on redundant benefits.
Reach out to me if you want help evaluating your options or picking the best plan for your situation.
Open Enrollment doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right combination of DPC and smart insurance choices, you can get peace of mind, without paying more than you need to.
Ready to enroll or have questions?
Contact me today at 541-305-7155 or schedule a meet & greet through the link below
Hi! I’m Amber, and I’m here to show you the compassion in healthcare
Why I’m the Right Clinic for You
At our DPC clinic in Bend, OR, we believe in transparent pricing, patient-centered care, and building long-term health relationships rather than chasing insurance reimbursements.
With a simple $125/month membership, you get
Easy access when you need it. Which means same-day or next-day appointments
Time and attention. You get unrushed visits, and enough time to address all your concerns
Affordable lab, imaging, and medication services, with clear pricing up front
Real savings when combined with a high-deductible or catastrophic insurance plan, especially in 2026 as many insurance costs rise sharply
In other words: when others are raising prices and cutting coverage, we’re offering clarity, value, and dependable care.
If you’re ready to simplify healthcare, avoid surprise bills, and get a plan built around you — let’s talk.
