EDITORIAL: Health insurance is critical, so be aware of opportunities

Health insurance is vital. It's also not cheap. While many are covered through their employment, many are not.

That's why we want to make sure the public is aware that the 2026 premium rates for individual and small group health insurance plans have been released by the Idaho Department of Insurance.

Plans will increase by an average of 10% in the individual market, and 11% in the small group market. Each carrier's justification of the 2026 increase amount is published alongside the rate increases on the Department website at: https://doi.idaho.gov/consumer/RateReview/.

We urge people to take a look. The more you know about health insurance and costs, the better.

Dean Cameron, director of the Idaho Department of Insurance, said while medical inflation continues to drive up premiums, Idaho's overall average increase is lower compared to other states.

"We continue to have highly competitive health insurance markets, giving Idahoans more choices and lower premiums than in most states," he said.

Rates will remain mostly stable again next year thanks to the 1332 State Innovation "Reinsurance Waiver." Idaho's waiver continues reducing the cost of individual market health insurance by offsetting the premium impact of high-cost health condition.

Open enrollment for 2026 begins Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 15. The window is tight.

The impact of being without health insurance is significant. According to the American Hospital Association, people without insurance put off needed care and rely more heavily on hospital emergency departments, resulting in scarce resources being directed to treat conditions that often could have been prevented or managed in a lower-cost setting. Being uninsured also has serious financial implications for individuals, communities and the health care system.

We realize there are many who want health insurance but can't afford it. But it can be done.

Idaho consumers will continue to have choices from eight carriers when shopping for individual coverage. In 2026 Select Health, PacificSource Health Plans, Blue Cross of Idaho, Regence Blue Shield of Idaho, Mountain Health CO-OP, Molina Healthcare, Moda Health Plan and St. Luke's Health Plan will offer health plans. Idaho consumers will have seven dental carriers to choose from again for 2026.

We all know the importance of health insurance. If you need it, be sure to visit Your Health Idaho, at yourhealthidaho.org, where you can compare and choose from 158 medical and 25 dental plans to enroll in for 2026 coverage. You can also find out if you are eligible for a tax credit.