Chattanooga, Tennessee —
In Tennessee, health insurance premiums for the state’s most widely used health plan are set to rise by 39% in 2026, marking it as the fourth-largest increase in the nation.
As we approach 2026, monthly premiums for individuals on the popular silver tier health plan could reach a staggering $775.
We spoke with Talon Abernathy, a health insurance expert from ValuePenguin, to explore what options might help residents manage these escalating costs.
“In Tennessee, roughly 60% of those who have Marketplace health insurance—acquired via healthcare.gov—opt for a Silver plan. It’s considered a decent middle-ground choice. However, there’s the Bronze plan below it, which might be worth considering. Just remember, the lower the monthly premium, the higher your out-of-pocket costs can be when visiting a doctor,” Abernathy noted.
“I recommend that when you’re shopping around, if you currently take medication or plan to in the upcoming year, check if it’s on the drug list every health plan must provide. Also, look into other expenses like copays and coinsurance. These costs can vary significantly between different plans,” he added.
It’s crucial to be aware of important enrollment timelines for health insurance in 2026.
The Health Insurance Marketplace opens on November 1, 2025, and generally closes on January 15, 2026, allowing coverage to begin as soon as January 1, 2026. It’s important to note that those who sign up by December 15, 2025, will start coverage by February 1, 2026.
“A couple of quick points to consider: The Enhanced Subsidy and Supplemental Subsidy will be phased out in 2026, but a subsidy will still be available. If your income is below approximately $63,000 for individuals or around $129,000 for a family of four, you can access financial assistance when purchasing insurance through healthcare.gov. This support can significantly reduce your overall costs, making it essential to explore what subsidies you qualify for,” Abernathy said.
The primary message from healthcare professionals is to thoroughly assess all your options when searching for health insurance.
Residents of Tennessee can anticipate an average increase of 17% in deductibles, while the out-of-pocket maximum (OOPM) is likely to rise by 13%. OOPM is essentially the limit on what you spend in a year for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Silver plans are projected to see the highest average deductible increase at 20%.
For a comprehensive look at available options, visit the appropriate resources.
