Special to IFN

RALEIGH — N.C. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey on Wednesday announced the approved insurance rates for the 2026 Affordable Care Act.

For those in North Carolina that have individual ACA coverage, the average rate will increase by nearly 28.6% in 2026. The increases for individual insurance policies range from 16.88% to 36.4%. The increases for small group policies range from 12.66% to 17.5%

Open enrollment for 2026 ACA policies runs from November 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Signing up by December 15, ensures your coverage will begin on January 1. Coverage for those signing up after December 15 will begin on February 1.

“I ask people purchasing ACA health insurance to go to healthcare.gov and find which plan works best for you,” Causey said. “Increased costs in healthcare as well as the expiration of federal subsidies result in premiums going up for many on the individual market. It’s more important than ever to begin researching your health insurance options early.”

In addition to ACA plans, Commissioner Causey urges North Carolinians to consider other options:

♦ Enroll in job-based coverage. This may be the most affordable option for many individuals and families. If you’re employed and your employer offers health benefits, you may qualify to enroll in health insurance through your employer, even if you declined this coverage in the past. You may also be able to enroll in coverage through your spouse’s employer or, if you are younger than 26, through your parents’ employer.

♦ Enroll in a plan through a private insurer. You may purchase coverage through an agent or broker, or directly from a health insurance company. You may find plans that cost less than an ACA plan. Just be sure they provide the coverage you need.

♦ Enroll in a student health plan. If you’re younger than 30 and enrolled in school, you may be eligible for a student health plan. Contact your school to explore this option.

Whatever you do, it is important to you and everyone to maintain health insurance.

LEARN MORE

♦ If you need help navigating your options, you may contact a consumer specialist at the Department of Insurance at 855-408-1212 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

♦ You may also go to the Health Insurance Shopping Tool offered by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners at https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/legacy/documents/health_insurance_shopping_tool.pdf

♦ You may view the approved 2026 individual ACA plan changes at Final Approved ACA Rates for Plan Year 2026 – Individual | NC DOI

♦  You may view the approved 2026 small group ACA plan changes at Approved ACA Rates for Plan Year 2026 – Small Group | NC DOI