BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — After years of relatively stable costs, health insurance premiums are on track to surge in 2026, leaving both employers and workers preparing for significantly higher bills.

The looming increases stem from the potential expiration of enhanced federal tax credits that have helped keep private health plan costs manageable for millions of Americans.

"When premiums rise, the question for employees is, well, is my employer going to pay the difference or is the employer going to pass on the difference to me. It can be one or the other, and it's often a mix of both," Jessica Altman said.

Altman, executive director of Covered California, explained that premiums have remained affordable thanks to federal tax credits that help people purchase private health plans.

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