Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked File

Health insurance premiums keep climbing — but 2026 could bring the biggest shakeup in years.

In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest, CPA with Paar Melis & Associates, breaks down what’s happening in the small-business health insurance landscape after recent ACA subsidy changes — and why a new Republican-backed House bill could change how shop owners buy coverage and support their teams.

Hunt explains the economics behind rising premiums, who’s actually affected by the loss of ACA subsidies, and why shop owners may see new opportunities if association health plans and expanded health reimbursement accounts (HRAs) become available.

Whether you already offer health insurance or you’re considering it in 2026, this episode will help you understand what’s real, what’s political, and what’s worth watching.

Ideal for shop owners and managers who want clarity on benefits costs, recruiting strategy, and what changes may be coming in the next open enrollment cycle.

What you’ll discover…

(02:00) The current state of small business health insurance — and why premiums keep rising 10–20% a year

(05:40) How the ACA reshaped the market

(06:30) What the new House bill is, why it’s being debated now, and the January 31 deadline looming in the background

(08:00) Who the loss of ACA subsidies impacts most — and why many shops may see little direct effect

(16:10) Association health plans: how small businesses could join buying groups like big employers (and why that could lower premiums)

(19:25) Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs): the tax advantage shop owners may finally be able to use more flexibly

(23:45) What to do now: when it’s smart to wait, when it’s not, and why open enrollment timing matters

(25:00) The future of health insurance for small businesses

Thanks to our partner Promotive

It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit https://gopromotive.com/

Thanks to our Partner WickedFile

Turn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.com/

Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair

Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com

Email Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.com

Text Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413

Download a Copy of My Books Here:

Wrenches to Write-Offs
Your Perfect Shop

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

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Health Insurance Shakeup for 2026: ACA Subsidies, Association Plans, and the HRA Strategy Shop Owners Need to Know [E203]

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