In the News · October 2026
Health Insurance Costs Are Rising Again — What It Means for Tustin Families
National reports published in October 2026 show health insurance costs climbing again, with another increase expected for 2027. Here is what the numbers say, in plain language, and one option more doctors are offering. Every figure below links to its source.
What the latest reports say
- The average annual premium for employer-sponsored family coverage reached $28,303 in 2026, up 5% from 2025 (KFF).
- Workers now pay an average of $7,471 a year toward family coverage — up 9%, or $621, in one year (KFF).
- The average deductible for single coverage is $1,955 — money you pay before insurance starts helping (KFF).
- Premium growth outpaced both wage growth (3.7%) and general inflation (2.7%) (KFF).
- About 157 million Americans under 65 get coverage through an employer (KFF).
What is expected for 2027
- Employer health care costs are forecast to rise about 9.5% in 2027 (Aon, via CNN).
- A Mercer survey projects an 8.2% increase per employee — and 11% without cost-control measures (Marsh/Mercer, via Healthcare Finance News).
- Small-group health insurers requested a median premium increase of 14% for 2027 (Healthcare Finance News).
- The expiration of enhanced ACA marketplace subsidies is expected to push premiums higher for people who buy their own coverage (CNBC).
Small businesses and their employees feel it most
Workers at firms with fewer than 200 employees pay an average of $9,687 a year toward family coverage — $2,847 more than workers at larger companies. Nearly one-third of small-firm workers are in plans where they pay more than half the family premium (KFF). If you own a small business in Tustin or Irvine, or work for one, this is likely already on your mind.
One option more doctors are offering: Direct Primary Care
News outlets report that more physicians across the country now offer Direct Primary Care (DPC): a flat monthly membership for primary care, instead of billing insurance for every visit. Patients often pair DPC with a high-deductible insurance plan — the membership covers everyday primary care, and insurance remains for emergencies and hospital care. Some families find transparent cash prices for labs and medications cost less than using their insurance (CBS6).
How our Direct Primary Care membership works
Dr. Trung Pham's DPC membership is $450 for 3 months ($150/month): direct access to your doctor by text, phone and email, longer unhurried visits, and wholesale prices on labs and medications. No long-term contract — cancel anytime with 30 days' written notice. DPC complements your insurance; it does not replace it.
See full DPC details and pricingImportant
Direct Primary Care is not health insurance. It works alongside your insurance — please keep coverage for emergencies, hospital stays, specialists and surgery.
Frequently asked questions
Is Direct Primary Care insurance?
Direct Primary Care is not health insurance. It works alongside your insurance — please keep coverage for emergencies, hospital stays, specialists and surgery.
I have insurance through work. Is DPC still useful?
It can be. Some patients with high-deductible plans use DPC for everyday primary care and keep their insurance for major events. Whether it saves you money depends on your plan and how often you see a doctor — our cost calculator can help you estimate.
Where do the numbers on this page come from?
From national surveys and news reports published in October 2026 — KFF's Employer Health Benefits Survey and coverage by Axios, CNN, CNBC, NPR, Healthcare Finance News and CBS6. Each figure links to its source above.
