Smart Strategies

Smart Strategies for Navigating 2026 Health Insurance Rate Increases

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Smart Strategies

Health insurance rates are going up, and if you’re shopping on the individual marketplace, you’ve probably noticed. Utah’s market rates have already increased, and with premium tax credits set to expire December 31 we’re looking at additional increases for next year––which is why these aren’t your typical year-over-year adjustments.

At Ark Insurance, it’s our job to stay on top of these changes, and based on what we know so far there are a few strategies that might help you save some money.

The Big News: HSA Rules Just Changed (In a Good Way)

Starting January 2026, any bronze or catastrophic plan you buy through the marketplace automatically qualifies as HSA-compatible. This could be a real tax-saving opportunity.

Until now, a lot of bronze plans didn’t qualify for an HSA because of either high deductibles or copays. But with this new change, you can now pair an HSA with any bronze plan purchased through the healthcare.gov marketplace.

For 2026, you can contribute up to $4,400 for individual or $8,750 for family HSA coverage, all tax-deductible. If you’re over 55, you can tack on another $1,000. That money is tax-free for medical expenses, and rolls over every year.

Shifting Down the Metal Tiers

Metal TiersWhat happens when premiums go up? Customers drop their plans down a tier. Gold to silver, silver to bronze. We’re seeing a lot of people make these shifts, and it is one way to help reduce your monthly payment.

If you’re thinking of shifting tiers, keep in mind there is a trade-off. Expect higher deductibles and more out-of-pocket costs if you actually need care. This is where the HSA rules can be useful. If you’re moving to a bronze plan, you can set up an HSA account for medical expenses and save some tax dollars. It doesn’t eliminate the risk, but it does give you a better way to manage it.

This strategy works best if you’re relatively healthy and can handle higher upfront costs in exchange for lower monthly premiums. It’s not right for everyone, and we recommend a consultation to better understand how a lower tier would affect you.

Pay Close Attention to Networks

As rates increase, carriers are tightening their networks to control costs. Whether or not this will affect you will depend on where you live and your health insurance plan. So if you’re thinking about a cheaper plan, just know that it might mean fewer doctors and hospitals you can actually use.

Before you buy a plan at the lowest price, make sure to check:

  • Your current doctors and specialists
  • Your preferred hospital
  • Your pharmacy
  • Any medications you’re taking

What About Catastrophic Plans?

What About Catastrophic Plans?You might have heard the news that catastrophic plans are getting expanded. They used to only be available if you were under 30 or qualified for a hardship exemption. Now, they’re open to people making over 400 percent of the federal poverty level, and they also qualify for HSAs.

However, there is one problem. Most carriers haven’t filed these types of plans, and Utah does not have access to any catastrophic plans for 2026. It’s worth knowing about in case things change down the road, but unfortunately it isn’t a strategy you can use right now.

Why This Year Feels Different

If you feel like the health insurance landscape this year is a bit more confusing than normal, that’s because it is. The government shutdown and pending decision about expanding tax credits have created a level of uncertainty that is unusual, making it even more difficult to navigate important decisions about your healthcare. Staying current on rate filings, network changes, legislative updates, and carrier announcements is what we do here at Ark Insurance. When something changes mid-year or new regulations come through, we’re already tracking how it affects our clients.

Get in touch with us to figure out which strategies make the most sense for your situation. We’re here to help you sort through the noise and find coverage that works.

Navigating the complex world of health insurance can be daunting. The Ark Insurance Solutions team has the skill and experience to guide you. We’ll help you compare health plans to make the best decision based on your unique circumstances and budget. Give us a call at 801-901-7800 or click here to schedule an appointment with us.
Update on ACA Tax Credits

Update on ACA Tax Credits (And What it Means for You)

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Update on ACA Tax Credits

Over the weekend, the Senate voted to advance a deal that extends government funding through January 30th, in an effort to end the current shutdown. The House will now decide whether to take up the Senate measure to reopen the government.

Things are very much still up in the air at the moment, but here’s what we know so far about health insurance tax credits and what it means for your premiums.

The December Timeline

Senator John Thune has indicated there will be a Senate floor vote on ACA premium tax credits by mid-December, before Congress recesses on December 19th.

That timing is significant because open enrollment is already underway. Right now, the marketplace rates you’re seeing are based on the expiration of tax credits on December 31st. Whether Congress extends those credits will determine what people actually pay for coverage starting January 1st.

What’s on the Table

Representatives Sam Liccardo and Kevin Kiley have introduced a bill to extend the enhanced ACA tax credits for two years, covering households up to 600% of the federal poverty level.

Other proposals are also being discussed, including different approaches to how premium assistance is structured and delivered. Some involve extending the current system, while others propose more significant changes to how subsidies work. So far, Speaker Mike Johnson has not committed to bringing an ACA credit bill to a House vote, even if legislation passes the Senate.

The Current Situation

Congress RecessesThe timeline is tight. Congressional recess begins December 19th, which doesn’t leave much time for negotiation between now and then.

If enhanced tax credits expire as currently scheduled, many Americans will see their premiums increase at the start of the new year. How much depends on each household’s income level and insurance plan, but for many, the difference will be substantial.

Congress must act soon if they want changes to take effect for January coverage. Anything passed after December 31 would likely require special enrollment periods to allow people to adjust their coverage based on new subsidy levels.

The next few weeks will determine whether enhanced tax credits continue, expire, or get modified in some way. Each scenario has different implications for premiums and affordability.

How This Affects You

If you’re shopping for coverage right now, you’ll need to make decisions based on the current rates. Even if they change, the timing of any congressional action will determine how smoothly those changes can be implemented.

If you have questions about how potential changes might impact your specific situation, please reach out to us. We’re closely monitoring all of these new developments and can help you understand how they can affect you.

The situation is fluid, and we’ll continue tracking this situation through December––so be sure to check back with us for more updates.

Health Insurance Insider – November 7, 2025

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Think your business is too small for group health insurance? Think again! 🤯

You only need two people to qualify (that could even be you and a spouse/child). Group plans offer incredible flexibility and are often 21% less expensive than individual plans in Utah this year!

✨ Act FAST! Small Employer Waiver ✨

Until December 15th, we can utilize a special small employer waiver that allows us to write a group plan with:

🚫 No minimum participation.
🚫 No minimum contribution from the employer! You can offer the plan without spending a cent.

This is a game-changer! Don’t miss the January 1st enrollment opportunity. We need to complete underwriting by December 15th.

➡️ If you’re ready for a cost-effective health solution, let’s talk now. We specialize in creative plans and listening to your unique needs. Call us at 801-901-7800.

Health Insurance Insider – October 31, 2025

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📢 RATES ARE IN: Stop Worrying About Your 2026 Health Insurance! 🚨

The wait is over! Open Enrollment starts this Saturday, November 1st, and we finally have the official 2026 health insurance rates.

We know you’ve been worried, but don’t panic. Our early review of the increases shows a mixed bag:

💰 Many of our clients will maintain their $0 premiums!
📈 If you are a higher-income earner, your rates may be changing significantly. You need to call us for brainstorming and a better solution.
🤔 Don’t just panic over the “maybes,” go online and check you ACTUAL renewal rate.

At Ark Insurance Solutions, we are working with real 2026 data now, not just scary rumors! We are ready to find you the best affordable health insurance and subsidies in the ACA Marketplace.

📞 Call Us Today to Schedule Your 2026 Review!

Let’s look at your renewal, brainstorm alternatives, and figure out the right plan for you.

➡️ Click the link in bio or call 801-901-7800 to set up a personalized appointment with our team in Salt Lake City, Utah!

Health Insurance Insider – October 23, 2025

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Did you just open a scary renewal notice from your insurance carrier? 🎃 Take a deep breath: It’s not real.

Like a lot of things in spooky season, that huge number is just a trick! Insurance carriers are legally required to send out renewal notifications before the actual rates are finalized.

Do NOT panic and do NOT make a decision based on that letter.

The real rates will be coming out over the next week, and open enrollment starts on November 1st.

Here’s the plan:
1. Burn that initial scary notice.
2. Wait for the REAL numbers.
3. Run real information with those real numbers on your carrier’s website.

You don’t have to face those frightening numbers alone. That’s what a good broker is for! If you don’t have one now is the time to find a broker (like Ark Insurance Solutions) who can help you sift through the noise and turn that “Halloween trick” into a real and reasonable coverage plan.

Let’s talk now about securing your best healthcare strategy for 2026. Call us at 801-901-7800.

Salt Lake City insurance agent Rebecca Yates discussing health insurance, taxes, and subsidies.

Health Insurance Insider – October 9, 2025

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The Subsidy Cliff & What You Need to Know NOW:

💵 The expanded healthcare tax credits implemented during COVID-19, which helped eliminate the “subsidy cliff” for those earning more than 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are set to expire.

⚖️ If Congress doesn’t act, the pre-COVID rules will return. The “cliff” means that if your income exceeds that 400% FPL (or $62,600) threshold by even one dollar, you could lose your entire tax credit and have to pay it back.

Strategic Planning is Key 🗓️

⚠️ For the self-employed and others who make more than 400% FPL, it’s crucial to prepare now.

The existing tax credits aren’t going away entirely, but they will revert to their limited pre-COVID amounts.

  • If you’re over the $62,600 mark, you may need to look at options other than Healthcare.gov.
  • In Utah, group plans may be 20-21% less expensive and are a viable alternative for the self-employed to explore immediately.

🗓️ Don’t wait! We must strategize now by considering a group plan. If Congress extends the tax credits by January 1st, we can always cancel and move you back to the individual marketplace during a potential special enrollment period.

Let’s talk now about securing your best healthcare strategy for 2026. Call us at 801-901-7800.

Health Insurance Insider - October 2, 2025

Health Insurance Insider – October 2, 2025

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As of this week, the expanded health insurance tax credits are set to expire at the end of the year, exposing millions of Americans to massive premium increases. This isn’t just a healthcare problem; it’s a looming economic crisis that adds immense pressure to household budgets already strained by inflation.

Estimates suggest 4 to 5 million people could lose coverage. Allowing the American public to be dumped off a financial cliff is neither responsible nor realistic. We know the consequence of sudden loss of coverage: nobody walks into the ER expecting a million-dollar bill, yet medical debt is a stark reality for the uninsured.

The Path to a Responsible Off-Ramp:

The long-term answer is not an indefinite expansion of subsidies, as that is not fiscally responsible. The immediate need, however, is clear.

The best path forward is to extend these expanded tax credits to 2026. This extension gives our leaders the necessary time to find real, sustainable ways to cut the underlying costs of healthcare. We must shift the focus back to policies that actually take care of our people and prevent medical bankruptcy.

Key Takeaways & Immediate Action:

🩺 The Problem: Expanded Tax Credits are set to expire 12/31, leading to massive premium hikes.

🩺 The Risk: Millions face financial ruin and loss of coverage immediately.

🩺 The Necessary “Off-Ramp”: Extend tax credits to 2026 to allow time for leaders to find cost solutions.

🩺 The Solution: Brokers Deliver Solutions. They are vital partners in helping consumers find creative strategies to soften the landing and secure protection for their families.

Now is the time for policy leaders to act with vision, and for consumers to seek expert guidance.

Ark Health Insurance Insider 9-25-25

Health Insurance Insider – September 25, 2025

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Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements, or ICHRAs, are a new approach to employee health benefits that give employers a tax-advantaged way to provide flexible health coverage. For small businesses, ICHRAs offer an alternative to traditional group health plans, which can often be expensive and difficult to manage.

So, how does an ICHRA work? Instead of offering a specific group plan, employers give employees a set amount of tax-free money to spend on a health plan they choose themselves. The employer saves money on premiums, and the employees get to select a plan that fits their needs and their family’s needs. It’s a win-win.

One of the biggest advantages of an ICHRA is the flexibility it offers. You can set different contribution amounts for different classes of employees, such as managers and salaried workers, as long as the plan doesn’t discriminate. Plus, since the money is a tax-deductible business expense, both the business and the employees save money.

Key Takeaways About ICHRAs

💰Tax-Advantaged: Contributions are a tax-deductible expense for employers and are not considered taxable income for employees.
🧑 Employee Choice: Employees can choose a health plan that best fits their specific needs, including their preferred doctors and hospital networks.
🤸 Flexibility: ICHRAs are a great option for businesses with a distributed workforce in different states, as they can be used to accommodate varying state health insurance markets.

As the health insurance landscape continues to evolve, staying on top of new options like ICHRAs is essential for small businesses. We’ll be here every week to keep you informed.

Health Insurance Insider - September 18, 2025

Health Insurance Insider – September 18, 2025

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With changes coming in 2026, it’s more important than ever to be informed about health insurance. For small businesses in Utah (2-50 employees), here’s what you need to know about upcoming group health insurance renewals.

Key Updates for 2026 Renewals:

  • Delayed Rate Filings: Expect to receive your renewal rates a bit later this year, likely in the first or second week of October. Carriers typically file their plans in March, but federal changes caused delays.
  • Average Rate Increases: While scary numbers were a concern, initial filings suggest manageable increases for most small employer groups. Here’s a look at the average increases submitted by key carriers in Utah, with most coming in under the 15% mark:

UnitedHealthcare: Averaging a 12% increase; SelectHealth (HMO): Filed for a 9% increase; Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield: Filed a broader range from 10-17%, with a generalized average around 12%.

  • Minimal Plan Changes: The good news is that most carriers are not making significant changes to their plan benefits, so for many, it will be business as usual.
  • The Shift from Individual to Group Plans: A major change is on the individual health insurance market. SelectHealth has indicated that their 2026 group plans will be up to 21% less expensive with better benefits than their individual plans. If you or your employees have been on an individual policy due to COVID-era subsidies, this could be the year to switch back to a small employer plan.

Strategic Tip for Businesses:

Want to lock in 2025 rates for another 12 months? If you’ve been on an individual policy, a strategic move is to start your new group plan with a November or December effective date. This allows you to secure the current year’s rates and push off the new rate increases until the end of 2026.

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to renewal season!

Is it Time for a Health Insurance Coverage Check-up?

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Think you’re all set with your health insurance coverage? You might want to take a closer look. In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, what worked for you last year might not be the best choice for this year, and just as you schedule regular check-ups for your health, your insurance coverage deserves an annual review.

Why annual insurance check-ups matter

The healthcare industry is always changing. From shifting provider networks to updates in medication coverage, what you signed up for initially might look quite different today. “The costs and the benefits and the laws change every single year and sometimes more frequently,” says Rebecca Yates, CEO of Ark Insurance Solutions. These aren’t minor adjustments. They can significantly impact both your wallet and your access to quality healthcare, which is why it’s important to know how they’ll affect you personally.

It’s also worth considering how your own life changes year over year. Your needs may have evolved, and the medications covered under your current plan may have changed. All of these factors can affect not only the cost of your plan but also its effectiveness in meeting your healthcare needs. Without regular review, you might find yourself paying more than necessary or even worse, lacking coverage in crucial areas.

Recent changes make reviews more critical than ever

New developments in the healthcare sector have made insurance check-ups absolutely crucial. The government has implemented new security measures to protect consumers after incidents involving rogue insurance brokers making unauthorized changes. While these measures provide additional protection, they also illustrate the importance of regularly reviewing your coverage to make sure it aligns with your expectations and requirements.

Insurance companies regularly update their networks, change their formularies, and adjust their coverage terms. Without regular reviews, you might miss important changes that could affect your access to care or your out-of-pocket costs.

Signs you need an insurance check-up

There are a few red flags that suggest it’s time to review your health insurance coverage:

1. Your healthcare needs have changed since last enrollment, such as recent medical issues, new medications, or a recent expansion of your family. These life changes often require adjustments to your coverage so that you’re getting the care you need at the best possible rate.

2. You’re unsure about your current coverage. If you can’t confidently say what your plan covers or what your out-of-pocket expenses might be, it’s time for a review. Understanding your coverage shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle – if it does, you could benefit from some expert guidance and clarification about your coverage.

3. Your preferred healthcare providers or medications have changed. Network changes can affect your ability to see specific doctors or obtain certain medications at preferred rates. A review can help ensure you maintain access to the care and prescriptions you need without unexpected costs.

4. Your employer has experienced growth or restructuring. Changes in employee numbers or company structure can impact group insurance plans and might open up new, more beneficial options.

What to expect during your insurance check-up

A comprehensive insurance review examines your plan in a few key areas:

Network Evaluation

This is a thorough examination of your current healthcare providers and whether they remain in-network. This includes primary care physicians, specialists and preferred hospitals. Your broker will help identify any potential network changes that could affect your access to care and suggest alternatives if needed. They’ll also look for opportunities to optimize your network access based on your specific healthcare needs.

Prescription Coverage Review

By conducting an in-depth analysis of your current medications and their coverage status, your broker can help you identify if there are more cost-effective options available, or if recent changes might affect your out-of-pocket expenses. They can also help you understand if there are pharmacy benefit programs or mail-order options that could save you money while maintaining access to your necessary medications.

Cost Analysis

A cost analysis is a detailed review of your premium costs, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums compared to your actual healthcare usage and budget. This analysis goes beyond simple premium comparisons by looking at your actual total healthcare spending and identifying opportunities for savings. Your broker will help you understand how different plan structures might affect your overall costs based on your specific healthcare needs.

Benefits Assessment

This is a comprehensive evaluation of whether your current benefits align with your needs, including specialized services, mental health coverage and wellness programs. This assessment looks at both your current healthcare requirements and anticipates potential future needs to ensure your coverage provides enough protection for the coming year.

The value of professional guidance

While you might be tempted to handle this kind of review independently, working with a licensed health insurance broker can provide invaluable insights and save you considerable time and effort. Brokers stay current with market changes, policy updates, and new offerings from different insurance providers. And much like you’d call an accountant to do your taxes, or an attorney for a legal matter, brokers know the health insurance landscape inside and out, and will look out for your interests.

One common misconception is that working with a broker adds extra costs to your actual insurance. However, this isn’t the case. “The best part is it doesn’t cost you anything extra to work with us. You can go to the carrier or you can go to us directly. Those premiums are the same,” says Yates.

Making the most of your check-up

To maximize all of the benefits of getting an insurance review, you should come prepared with the following:

– Gather together your current plan documentation and any recent medical bills or prescription costs. This information helps your broker understand your current healthcare spending patterns and so they can identify potential areas for savings.

– List any changes in your healthcare needs or preferences over the past year. Include new medications, healthcare providers, or potential future medical procedures.

– Don’t be shy about asking questions pertaining to your coverage, or discussing areas that you find confusing or concerning. Your broker can help clarify complex terms and ensure you fully understand your benefits.

– It’s a sensitive topic for most, but be ready to discuss your budget and any financial constraints affecting your healthcare decisions. This helps your broker find solutions that balance coverage and your costs effectively.

Making sure your coverage works for you

For the average person, healthcare needs are always evolving, and insurance options will continue to expand and change. By maintaining regular check-ups of your coverage, you can ensure that your health insurance remains a useful tool in maintaining your personal health and well-being — rather than becoming an obstacle to accessing care.

Remember, just as you wouldn’t skip your annual physical, don’t overlook the importance of reviewing your health insurance coverage. If you haven’t yet had a chance to get an insurance check-up, there’s still time. You can revisit your coverage and make changes that will take effect on February 1. But it’s important to reach out for an appointment well before the January 15 deadline.

Now is the time to get a handle on your current and future health insurance needs with a professional who cares about your well-being. “When you call us, you’re going to get a real human that answers the phone, and that real human is going to connect with you and care about you, learn about your family, and figure out what you need,” says Yates.