PwC Sees 8.5% Health-Cost Jump as ACA Insurers Seek Double-Digit Premium Hikes

U.S. medical costs are expected to rise 8.5% in 2026, according to a projection released by PricewaterhouseCoopers. The consultancy said the acceleration reflects higher wages for clinicians, expanding use of high-cost weight-loss drugs and ongoing demand for outpatient services. Insurers that sell individual coverage under the Affordable Care Act are responding by asking regulators for double-digit premium increases for the 2026 plan year, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing initial filings. Companies including Centene and Elevance Health have submitted requests that would sharply raise monthly charges for consumers who buy coverage on the federal and state exchanges. State insurance departments will review the filings in the coming months and can scale back or approve the proposed increases. Any sizeable hikes would add to inflation pressures on household budgets and could intensify political scrutiny of the Obamacare marketplace ahead of the 2026 enrollment period.