Marketplace Cost Increases

Why are Marketplace costs increasing in 2026?

The costs of having a Marketplace plan is higher in 2026 compared to the last four years. One of the biggest changes is the higher cost of monthly premiums.

Prices are higher because the current federal government has not acted to renew enhanced funding for the Marketplace. From 2021 to 2025, this enhanced funding allowed the Marketplace to offer more generous subsidies, so people paid lower monthly premiums for their Marketplace plans. Without the enhanced funding, the cost of monthly premiums has risen in 2026.

The Marketplace is still offering subsidies, which will continue to make Marketplace coverage more affordable than off-Marketplace plans for many Virginians. A navigator can help you review your options.

Why is it important to maintain health insurance?

Having health coverage, even a lower-coverage plan, still protects you from high emergency medical bills. It also pays for preventive care, such as free annual visits to primary care physicians and gynecologists, as well as other preventative services like free vaccinations and oral contraception.

Navigators’ Role

Enroll Virginia navigators are nonprofit employees who help Virginia residents apply for Medicaid and Marketplace coverage. Our assistance is unbiased, and we don’t receive commissions from health insurance companies. Navigators are not government employees and are not part of Marketplace or Medicaid agencies.

Enroll Virginia navigators can explain Medicaid or Marketplace policy changes in our role as educators. However, navigators do not have the authority to establish rules or make changes to Medicaid, the Marketplace, or any other health coverage.

Click here to find a navigator near you and make an appointment for in-person or virtual assistance.

Share Your Story

If these changes have impacted your access to health insurance, we want to hear from you. Our team is collecting stories to show why it’s so important to keep health insurance affordable and accessible for all, and your unique voice and experiences can inspire policymakers to change laws.