Iowans will face much higher health premiums as open enrollment begins

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Thousands of Iowans face rising health insurance premiums as enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies are set to expire at the end of 2025.

Without congressional action to extend the subsidies that are at the center of debate in the government shutdown, some families may consider going uninsured due to the increased costs.

Iowa insurance carriers have filed for 2026 rate increases ranging from 12.5% to over 25% on average.

Abbey Paxton has spent hours sitting with financial advisers in recent months, puzzling over how to fit skyrocketing health insurance premiums into her family's 2026 budget.

Paxton, a 37-year-old mother of two who owns a bookstore in Des Moines, said her family's high deductible plan purchased through the federal Affordable Care Act Marketplace is