Why You Must Pay Attention to Your ACA Plan Before January Hits
- Crystal Labbe
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
(Especially if you’re on automatic bank draft.)
Every fall, the Marketplace sends out renewal notices. Most folks glance at them, shrug, and think, “Everything’s probably the same. I’ll deal with it later.”
But this year?
Later is too late.
ACA plans across the country are seeing historic premium increases for 2026, and if you aren’t actively reviewing your plan, you may find yourself paying thousands more—literally—in January.
Let me show you why this matters.
A Real Example From This Week
I received an urgent alert from UnitedHealthcare that immediately raised red flags. They needed to notify brokers about which policyholders are on automatic bank draft, because 2026 prices are already loaded… and they will draft whatever amount your plan renews at, whether you’ve reviewed it or not.
Here’s what I saw:
2025 Premium: $71.79/month
2026 Automatic Renewal Premium: $1,328.19/month
Increase: +$1,256.40
This client hasn’t reached out yet, which means on January 1st, the system will happily draft over $1,300 from his bank account.
And I have a very strong feeling that the moment that withdrawal hits, he’ll be calling me asking how to get his money back.
This is exactly the kind of situation we’re trying to prevent.
Why Is This Happening?
Several things are converging at once:
Insurers have filed large rate increases for 2026 (20–30% in many states).
Enhanced ACA subsidies are scheduled to expire after 2025 unless Congress extends them.
Many plans are being reshuffled, renamed, or replaced, causing auto-renewals to map you into a higher-cost option.
The Marketplace will not stop your auto-payment unless you change or cancel your plan.
This means your premium could jump dramatically even if your income, household size, and situation haven’t changed at all.
If You Are on Auto-Pay… Read This Twice
If you have automatic bank draft set up, your January premium will run on the new rate unless you take action.
There is no automatic warning that says “Are you sure you want to pay $1,300 instead of $71.79?”
It just drafts.
This is why it is essential to:
1. Open every email from the Marketplace, your broker, and your insurance company.
Don’t assume it’s junk. This year, those emails matter.
2. Pick up the phone if your broker calls.
We don’t call for fun. If we’re calling, it’s because something needs your attention.
3. Log into your Marketplace account and look at your 2026 renewal premium.
Don’t wait for a surprise in January.
4. Schedule time with your broker.
Even a 10-minute review can prevent a $1,000 mistake.
If You Ignore This, Here’s What Happens January 1st
Your bank account is drafted at the new 2026 premium.
You suddenly notice the giant withdrawal.
You call in a panic.
You find out you were auto-renewed into a plan you never actually approved.
And because the withdrawal was technically correct, fixing it becomes a process—not a quick refund.
Let’s avoid that.
Take This as Your Friendly Northwoods Warning
This isn’t meant to scare you—it’s meant to protect you.
Insurance companies do not chase you down to make sure you’re paying the right amount. That’s what brokers are for.
But we can’t help you if you don’t open the mail, answer the phone, or review your plan.
If you want to avoid a surprise four-figure draft on January 1st, now is the time to:
➡️ Review your plan
➡️ Update your income for subsidy accuracy
➡️ Explore lower-cost options
➡️ Confirm your 2026 premium
➡️ Talk with your broker before auto-renewal hits
Your 2026 rates are already loaded.
Your January draft is already scheduled.
Please don’t wait until it clears to find out what it was.
Need help? Reach out before the rush.
Message Crystal today or visit:
We’re here to make sure you’re protected, prepared, and not blindsided come January 1st.
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