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Key Takeaways

• BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s rates for Marketplace plans will increase an average 42% in 2026 to cover higher expected claims costs.
• Rising health care prices, shifts in the number and needs of people insured, and the end of enhanced premium tax credits are all factors in how much these plans will cost.
• We’ve expanded our Network E, our lowest-cost option, to every region in Tennessee.

If you get health coverage on your own (instead of through your job, Medicare, or Medicaid), you’ll want to shop thoughtfully for 2026 coverage. We’re delivering more plan choices, and we’ve expanded access to our lowest-cost network. But rising medical costs and legislative changes will affect how much you pay. 

Higher medical costs and usage are driving up premiums 

As we approach the open enrollment period for next year, health care costs are at record highs. They rose much faster than expected in the second half of 2024 and continued to rise throughout 2025. We’ve seen more people going to the doctor and having surgeries. And pricing for everything from prescriptions and hospital stays to procedures, equipment and services has gone up. 

Another factor causing costs to go up: there are fewer people enrolled in Marketplace plans, and many who dropped coverage were healthier. That means the cost of medical bills and prescription drugs for those enrolled are spread across fewer people. 

All of these factors mean our 2025 pricing isn’t sustainable – even as a not-for-profit company. So, we’re adjusting to make sure we can cover our members’ future claims and the operations that serve their needs. 

We are far from the only health plan experiencing these challenges – other insurers across the country and in Tennessee are also having to raise premiums for 2026 Marketplace plans. 

What we’ll offer for 2026 

Premiums vary based on plan choices, but BlueCross plans will average an increase of 42% from last year.  

Marketplace open enrollment runs from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15, and those considering a Blue plan for the coming year will be able to “window-shop” and compare features for a few days before Healthcare.gov goes live for purchases.  

Here are some things for shoppers to keep in mind:

• We’ll have 12 plans across the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Marketplace coverage levels: 5 Bronze Base plans, 5 Silver Base Plans and 2 Gold Base plans. 

• All our Bronze plans are Health Savings Account compatible this year, providing tax advantages, cost savings and flexibility to those choosing this level of coverage. 

• Our 2026 Marketplace offerings still feature $0 Teladoc coverage, including mental health and full primary care services. 

• We’re expanding access to our lowest-cost Blue Network E, which offers rates around 10% lower than Blue Network S. 

Blue Network E’s lowest-cost plans are now truly statewide  

We’re expanding Blue Network E to Northeast Tennessee and the Cookeville area, offering our most affordable plans with access to trusted regional health systems. Our Network E now includes the Tennessee facilities and providers of the Ballad Health system and Cookeville Regional Medical Center in addition to:

• Erlanger Health in Chattanooga 

• UT Medical Center in Knoxville 

• Ascension Saint Thomas in West Central and Middle Tennessee 

• Baptist Memorial Health Care in Memphis and West Tennessee

These plans are designed to be budget-friendly, with lower average costs than Blue Network S. They also include: 

• $0 virtual care 
• Mental health support 
• Diabetes management tools
• Rewards for healthy behaviors

With Blue Network E available in your area, it’s worth exploring for cost savings that still offer access to quality care. 

We’re doing what we can to support affordability 

Our medical savings measures are already helping to lower costs, and our partnerships with providers enabled us to make our affordable Blue Network E available to more people than ever before.  

But the unexpected, sustained, and significant rise in medical costs and a membership pool with higher medical expenses mean we have to charge higher premiums.  

Premium tax credit changes will also impact costs for members

While we are doing all we can to keep BlueCross coverage affordable, another challenge is on the horizon: the scheduled expiration of enhanced premium tax credits at the end of 2025. Since 2021, these enhanced credits have helped hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans afford Marketplace coverage by capping premiums for qualified individuals at 8.5% of income—even for middle-income families.  

Here’s how to get help considering your options 

Here are three steps to protect your health and your wallet: 

• Shop early: Open enrollment begins November 1, 2025.  Visit HealthCare.gov or BCBST.com to compare plans and check your eligibility for financial help. 

• Explore Blue Network E: These plans offer significant savings and access to high-quality care. 

• Stay informed: Policy changes could affect your costs and coverage. Follow updates from BlueCross and trusted sources to make informed decisions. 

We’re committed to keeping coverage as affordable as possible, and you can find more information about our plans at BCBST.com.