What Ohioans are Reading: ‘Ohioans’ health insurance was expensive this year. It will cost even more in 2026’

What Ohioans are Reading: 'Ohioans' health insurance was expensive this year. It will cost even more in 2026'

November 3, 2025

Columbus, Ohio - With open enrollment now underway, an estimated 583,000 Ohioans are bracing for record premium hikes as the ACA tax credits expire at the end of this year.

Senator Jon Husted has repeatedly voted to shut down the government rather than protect affordable health care for Ohioans, even as costs surge and coverage is at risk.

Here's what Ohioans are reading about Jon Husted's health care crisis:

Columbus Dispatch: Ohioans' health insurance was expensive this year. It will cost even more in 2026, Samantha Hendrickson

• It's time to mentally prepare yourself to be paying even more for health care in 2026.

• Workers under employer-sponsored health insurance are still reeling from the 6% on average cost increase in 2025, but relief isn't on the horizon.

• Rates are expected to spike even higher in 2026 - the largest percentage increase since 2010, possibly as much as 9%, and it's the fourth year in a row health insurance costs will rise.

• By comparison, workers wages grew 4% and inflation is up 2.7% from a year ago.

• For Columbus City Schools classified staff like custodial, transportation and food services workers, health insurance with prescription plans will see a 10% rate increase. For certified employees like teachers, social workers and nurses, the rate increase will be 8%.

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