People are paying over three times more on health insurance than they were five years ago.
Posted by The MeidasTouch Podcast, Checked
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The MeidasTouch PodcastSep 15, 2026
The claim that people pay over three times more on health insurance than five years ago is contradicted by KFF data showing employer family premiums rose about 28% over five years, roughly in line with wages and inflation, and ACA benchmark premiums rose about 26% in one year ($497 to $625).
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What was said
… Okay, Secretary Bessen. Claiming my time. Secretary Bessen, working people are paying more for utilities now than they were five years ago, more than 40, 20% more. Are you aware of that? I am aware of that. Okay, moving on. Secretary Bessen, people are also paying over three times more on health insurance. Have you heard about this issue? Yes or no? I'm aware that Obama yes or no? Are you aware? Can I ask you a question? Filibustering and stop acting like you don't know what the facts are. Moving on. Watch this space after she visits. Watch the space. What the fuck does that mean? Excuse me. …
The MeidasTouch Podcast · · from the transcriptPost →What we found
Contradicts. KFF's 2026 Employer Health Benefits Survey reports that over the last five years the average family coverage premium rose 28%, compared with 26.9% wage growth and 24.4% inflation, far from a threefold increase.[2]
Contradicts. ABC7 citing KFF reports the average ACA benchmark premium rose from $497 per month in 2025 to $625 in 2026, roughly a 26% one-year increase, not a threefold rise.[3]
Context. The largest reported increase is the 114% rise in 2026 premiums for ACA subsidized enrollees after enhanced subsidies expired, which is a one-year figure and still short of tripling.[1][4]
Context. KFF's 2025 survey shows the five-year family premium increase was 26%, consistent with the 28% figure from the 2026 survey, indicating a stable and modest long-run trend rather than a threefold increase.[5]
Sources
5 sources: 1 fact-checker, 4 not rated
- 1Health subsidies expire for millions of Americans | AP Newsapnews.com · fact-checker · cited for: context
- 22026 Employer Health Benefits Survey | KFFkff.org · not rated · cited for: contradicts
- 3Many Americans are worried about healthcare costs as midterms approach. Why do they keep rising?abc7ny.com · not rated · cited for: contradicts
- 4The Great Healthcare Cost Hike Is Hereyahoo.com · not rated · cited for: context
- 5A New Car vs. Health Insurance? Average Family Job-Based ...kffhealthnews.org · not rated · cited for: context
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