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The Affordable Care Act marketplace is facing a massive premium spike in 2026 — and Congress is running out of time to stop it.
In this episode of Docs Outside The Box, Dr. Nii and Dr. Renee break down exactly why ACA premiums are increasing, what happens if Congress does nothing, and how this will impact:

Medical students
Residents & fellows
Early-career doctors
1099 independent contractors
Locums physicians
Patients relying on marketplace plans

Whether you buy your own insurance or you care for patients who do — this episode gives you the real-world implications and action steps you need right now.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why ACA marketplace premiums could jump 40–60%
✔️ How expiring federal subsidies affect patients AND physicians
✔️ Why independent contractors will feel the biggest financial hit
✔️ The impact on hospitals, uninsured rates & ER volume
✔️ What doctors can do NOW to prepare (financial steps included)

🎧 Perfect Episode For:

Medical students navigating their first insurance decisions
Residents & fellows in high-deductible plans
New attendings planning their 2026 budgets
Locums docs & 1099 contractors buying their own insurance
Any clinician wanting clarity on the latest healthcare policy changes

FREE DOWNLOAD - 7 Considerations Before Starting Locum Tenens - https://darkos.lpages.co/7-considerations-before-locums

LINKS MENTIONED

ACA Premium Spike Analysis — HealthSystemTracker
https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/brief/how-much-and-why-aca-marketplace-premiums-are-going-up-in-2026/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Subsidy Expiration Breakdown — Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
https://www.cbpp.org/research/health/health-insurance-premium-spikes-imminent-as-tax-credit-enhancements-set-to-expire?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Congressional Update on ACA Debate
https://cnycentral.com/news/nation-world/congress-enters-crunch-time-to-figure-out-how-to-deal-with-aca-subsidies-affordable-care-act-obamacare-health-insurance-premiums?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Independent Contractors & ACA Tax Credit Changes
https://jasonfintips.com/insurance-risk-management-blog/affordable-health-insurance-for-independent-contractors-understanding-the-new-aca-tax-credit-changes/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!

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Wanna listen instead?

Apple podcast:

ACA Premium Spike 2026: What Doctors, Residents & 1099 Physicians MUST Know. #473 Part 1