Well, folks, get ready for another round of healthcare sticker shock. California’s health insurance marketplace, Covered California, just dropped some not-so-sweet news about 2026 premiums that’ll make your bank account weep.

The state is looking at a jaw-dropping 10.3% average rate increase, the first double-digit hike since 2018. But here’s the real kicker: this isn’t just your standard healthcare inflation drama.

The Federal Subsidy Apocalypse

Remember those sweet, sweet pandemic-era federal subsidies that made health insurance almost bearable? They’re about to ghost us faster than a Tinder date. If Congress doesn’t extend these tax credits, nearly 90% of marketplace enrollees could see their costs skyrocket.

The Domino Effect

Health insurance experts are predicting a potential exodus of younger, healthier people from the marketplace. Why? Because when costs go up, many will choose to roll the dice and go uninsured. This creates a vicious cycle where only the sickest individuals remain, driving premiums even higher.

State to the Rescue (Sort Of)

California isn’t totally abandoning its residents. The state is investing $190 million to maintain subsidies for low-income residents. But let’s be real - that’s a drop in the $2.1 billion subsidy bucket.

So, Bay Area fam, brace yourselves. Your health insurance might become yet another luxury item in this already wallet-draining region. Stay tuned, and maybe start a healthcare savings fund… or consider moving to a country with actual affordable healthcare.