Rising Health Insurance Premiums: How To Save This 2026

Open Enrollment Is Here and So Are Higher Premiums

Every year, millions of Americans review their health coverage during open enrollment, and If you’ve already noticed your health insurance rates climbing, you’re not alone.

According to national data, the average annual premium for family coverage increased by 7% in 2024, reaching over $24,000 — the biggest jump in a decade. 

That adds up to nearly a 20% rise over the past five years, and insurers are already projecting even sharper increases in 2026. For many families, it’s becoming harder to justify paying so much for care they rarely use, especially in California, where premiums are among the highest in the nation.

So, how much could your plan go up?

Year	Avg. Annual Family Premium (Employer Plans)	YoY % Change
2020	$21,342	—
2021	$22,221	4%
2022	$22,463	1%
2023	$23,968	7%
2024	$25,572	7%
2025	$27,260	6.60%
2026 (Projected)	$32,200	18%

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) Health Benefits Survey, 2020–2024. The Commonwealth Fund (2025)

These numbers show what many families already feel.. health insurance costs are climbing faster than wages.

So What Can You Do?

If you’re looking for ways to lower your monthly costs without sacrificing access to quality care, Direct Primary Care might be your answer.

Elevated Health is a DPC practice in Huntington Beach and Redding. Our patients pay a simple, affordable monthly fee that covers unlimited clinic visits, longer and unrushed appointments, and direct access to their provider without any co-pays or hidden costs/bills.

Pair your DPC with HDHP

One of the best things you can do to save money is pairing a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) for emergencies with a DPC membership for your everyday care.

Here’s why it’s the best alternative for you and your family:

✅ HDHPs have lower monthly premiums

✅ DPC covers routine and preventive care directly, so you avoid most out-of-pocket surprises.

✅ You still have insurance protection for major emergencies or hospitalizations.

In short, you pay less overall while still being fully covered.

Good News! Use Your HSA to Pay for DPC

Under the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2026, Americans can now use their Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to pay for DPC memberships tax-free.

Using your HSA to pay for a DPC membership has long been a gray area, but starting in 2026, a new law will go into effect allowing all HSAs to be used for DPC memberships.

This means, you save up to 30% more by using your HSA for DPC1 That’s more money in your pocket and this is a BIG win for patients and a huge step toward more affordable care.

Why More Patients Are Switching to DPC

Patients in California are realizing they get more value AND better, affordable from DPC:

• Transparent pricing (no hidden fees)
• Unlimited visits without copays
• Same-day or next-day appointments
• Personalized attention from providers who actually know you
• Discounted labs and imaging
• Chronic disease management
• Telemedicine

With insurance rates going up again in 2026, DPC is becoming not just a better care option, but a financially smart one too.

Rethink Your Healthcare Options This Open Enrollment

As you review your options this open enrollment season, consider this: You could keep paying thousands in premiums for care you barely use OR you could join a Direct Primary Care practice like Elevated Health, where quality care comes first, and costs make sense. You can sign-up for our membership or call us at 714-916-5210 if you have any questions!