Q&A: Understanding Rising Health Insurance Premiums with Carl Brown of C. Brown & Associates, Inc.

As concerns grow over health insurance premiums amid the government shutdown, Carl Brown, a registered insurance representative and president of C. Brown & Associates, Inc., helps break down what’s behind the numbers and what local residents need to know heading into 2026.

Q: Carl, many people are worried about insurance rates increasing because of the government shutdown. Should they be concerned?

Brown: Yes, there’s reason for concern. A big factor is the end of what we call enhanced subsidies. These subsidies were part of the American Rescue Plan Act, which was passed during COVID-19 to help more people afford coverage.

Before that law, anyone making more than 400% of the federal poverty level — which for 2026 is about $62,000 for an individual — didn’t qualify for government assistance. Under the Rescue Plan, even higher earners could get tax credits to lower their premiums. Those who made less than that threshold got larger credits, which meant some people were paying almost nothing for coverage.

Now, those enhanced subsidies are ending. People will still receive tax credits if they’re under that 400% income limit, but the amount of help is going down. So, even though premiums and credits both rise slightly every year, they’re no longer keeping up with each other — and that’s why folks are seeing $60, $70, even $100 monthly increases.

Q: How does income affect what someone will pay next year?

Brown: Let’s use an example. Take a 35-year-old living in Muscogee County (ZIP 31907) who makes $40,000 a year. In 2025, that person might have paid $5 to $10 a month for coverage. But in 2026, that same person will likely pay around $250 per month for a similar plan.

Now, say a married couple makes $40,000 total between them — maybe $20,000 each. They’ll probably pay about $200 a month together.

If a single person makes $60,000, their tax credit shrinks significantly — only about $123 — and they’ll be looking at roughly $500 a month for a decent health plan. The math just doesn’t work in their favor anymore.

Q: What about seniors or those living on Social Security income?

Brown: That’s where things get really tough. There are many people in Muscogee County who are under 65, retired, and living solely on Social Security.

Let’s say a 62-year-old drawing $16,000 a year in benefits — that person paid nothing for insurance in 2025. But for 2026, that premium jumps to about $100 a month. For someone living on $1,400 a month, that’s a major hit — that’s groceries, prescriptions, or utilities.

This is also why people keep pushing for Medicaid expansion. Georgia has a limited version of it, but to qualify, you must work or volunteer at least 80 hours a month, go to school, or perform community service. Many seniors can’t meet those conditions.

Q: What choices do consumers have to manage these costs?

Brown: It really comes down to balancing what you can afford each month with the amount of risk you’re willing to take. Health insurance plans come in three tiers — bronze, silver, and gold.

• Gold plans cost the most but have lower deductibles and copays.
• Silver is the middle ground.
• Bronze has the cheapest premiums but the highest out-of-pocket costs — sometimes deductibles as high as $7,500 or $10,000.

A bronze plan might only cost $50 a month or even be free after tax credits, but if you get sick, the bills can pile up fast. People have to decide if saving now is worth the risk later.

Q: So what’s your advice for people heading into open enrollment for 2026?

Brown: Talk to a licensed professional. Don’t assume your plan will renew at the same rate — it won’t. Revisit your options every year. Look at your household income, the tax credits you qualify for, and your real medical needs.

The good news is that help is still available — it’s just not as generous as it was during the pandemic. So plan early, get informed, and don’t wait until the last minute to review your coverage.

Bottom Line:
Health insurance premiums are rising in 2026, especially as enhanced federal subsidies expire. While tax credits remain for those under 400% of the poverty level, the gap between assistance and actual costs is widening — hitting working families and seniors the hardest.

Carl Brown and C. Brown & Associates can help residents navigate these changes and find affordable coverage that fits their needs. He can be reached by email at broker59@aol.com or by phone: 706.718.7313.