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.
If you’re running a small business and relying on individual health insurance for yourself or your employees, you should know there are some big changes ahead. Serious increases are coming soon, and they are expected to hit individual health insurance hard. The businesses that prepare now are going to be in much better shape than those that wait.
Annual insurance check-ups are always a good idea, but what’s headed our way in 2026 isn’t your typical year-over-year adjustment. The enhanced premium tax credits that have kept individual marketplace coverage affordable are set to expire December 31, 2025, and that’s not very far away. There is still time to get ahead of these increases, but you’ll need to act fast.
Why Group Insurance Makes Sense Now
Already, Utah’s individual market rates have jumped considerably. Stack that on top of the upcoming tax credit expiration, and people buying individual marketplace plans are looking at increases as high as 438% in what they’ll actually pay.
Utah has a much stronger group market with better benefits than individual plans, and group plans typically cost less per person. And unlike individual plans that lock you into specific enrollment windows, you can start a group plan at any time — which means businesses can sign up any time of the year. That flexibility matters a lot right now.
The Special Enrollment Window You Probably Don’t Know About
If you’re thinking about enrolling in group health insurance it’s a good idea to get it done sooner than later. A strategic window is closing soon, and it could potentially save you money. There is a small group Special Enrollment Period that runs November 15-December 15 each year, letting businesses start group coverage without the usual requirements.
During this window, you only need two eligible employees, and only one to enroll to get your group plan started, and you don’t have to contribute anything to premiums. You can get access to group rates and pay with pre-tax dollars.
How We Can Help
The 2026 rate increases are fast approaching, but there is still time to navigate this transition smoothly. And if traditional group insurance just isn’t for you, there are other strategies we can explore — like Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs).
Don’t wait until January 1, 2026, when individual premiums spike and you’re scrambling for solutions. Here at Ark Insurance, we’ve built a reputation on putting clients first, and we’re committed to finding the right plan for you and your employees. When you’re facing significant market changes like this one, having the right kind of expert on your side matters.
The window to lock in better rates is getting smaller. Get in touch with us today to explore your options.
https://www.ark-ins.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ArkInsuranceSolutions-GroupPlansforSmallBusiness-1600x700-1.jpg7001600The Ark Insurance Team/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ark-logo@2x.pngThe Ark Insurance Team2025-11-21 16:16:282025-12-07 19:21:14The Smart Move for Small Business: Group Health Insurance
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
What 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?
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.
https://www.ark-ins.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ArkInsuranceSolutions-SmartStrategies-notext.jpg6281200The Ark Insurance Team/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ark-logo@2x.pngThe Ark Insurance Team2025-11-14 12:03:502025-11-16 16:20:08Smart Strategies for Navigating 2026 Health Insurance Rate Increases
Health Insurance Insider – November 22, 2025
/by The Ark Insurance TeamIf 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.
The Smart Move for Small Business: Group Health Insurance
/by The Ark Insurance TeamIf you’re running a small business and relying on individual health insurance for yourself or your employees, you should know there are some big changes ahead. Serious increases are coming soon, and they are expected to hit individual health insurance hard. The businesses that prepare now are going to be in much better shape than those that wait.
Annual insurance check-ups are always a good idea, but what’s headed our way in 2026 isn’t your typical year-over-year adjustment. The enhanced premium tax credits that have kept individual marketplace coverage affordable are set to expire December 31, 2025, and that’s not very far away. There is still time to get ahead of these increases, but you’ll need to act fast.
Why Group Insurance Makes Sense Now
Utah has a much stronger group market with better benefits than individual plans, and group plans typically cost less per person. And unlike individual plans that lock you into specific enrollment windows, you can start a group plan at any time — which means businesses can sign up any time of the year. That flexibility matters a lot right now.
The Special Enrollment Window You Probably Don’t Know About
If you’re thinking about enrolling in group health insurance it’s a good idea to get it done sooner than later. A strategic window is closing soon, and it could potentially save you money. There is a small group Special Enrollment Period that runs November 15-December 15 each year, letting businesses start group coverage without the usual requirements.
During this window, you only need two eligible employees, and only one to enroll to get your group plan started, and you don’t have to contribute anything to premiums. You can get access to group rates and pay with pre-tax dollars.
The 2026 rate increases are fast approaching, but there is still time to navigate this transition smoothly. And if traditional group insurance just isn’t for you, there are other strategies we can explore — like Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs).
Don’t wait until January 1, 2026, when individual premiums spike and you’re scrambling for solutions. Here at Ark Insurance, we’ve built a reputation on putting clients first, and we’re committed to finding the right plan for you and your employees. When you’re facing significant market changes like this one, having the right kind of expert on your side matters.
The window to lock in better rates is getting smaller. Get in touch with us today to explore your options.
Smart Strategies for Navigating 2026 Health Insurance Rate Increases
/by The Ark Insurance TeamHealth 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
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:
What About Catastrophic Plans?
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.