Hey {{first_name|nurse}},
I just want to give you a heads up.
Healthcare costs are about to jump again — and this next one looks rough.
Early numbers for 2026 show bigger premium hikes than the last few years.
That means your paycheck might take a bigger hit.
And some hospitals are already warning about plan changes.
They’re spending more on staffing, new meds, and keeping facilities running.
And who do you think feels it first?
Us.
Nurses start seeing it in smaller paychecks, higher deductibles, and harder choices during open enrollment — all while rent and groceries keep climbing.
Let’s talk about what’s going on and what you can do to prepare.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Here’s what’s coming next year:
Employer healthcare costs are expected to go up 6.5% — even after they try to cut spending.
Without those cuts, it could be closer to 9%, according to Mercer’s 2025 survey.
If you buy your own insurance, premiums could shoot up by as much as 75% if tax credits expire.
The average worker’s share of coverage could go up 7%, just from paycheck deductions.
And yeah — deductibles and out-of-pocket costs are rising too.
So every time you see a doctor or refill a prescription, you’ll feel it.
💡 Small win: In 2026, you’ll be allowed to save more money tax-free in your Health Savings Account (HSA) — up to $4,400 if you’re single or $8,750 if you’re covering a family.
Why It Hits Nurses the Hardest
We already deal with long hours, short staffing, and burnout.
Now add higher healthcare costs to the mix.
Here’s what that looks like day-to-day:
Less take-home pay. Raises don’t always keep up with benefit costs.
Less savings. More money goes to premiums instead of rent or your emergency fund.
More stress. Some hospitals delay raises or cut benefits to save money.
Tough choices. Some nurses switch to cheaper plans, but those plans usually cover fewer providers and come with higher risk.
This isn’t just about math.
It’s about the frustration of working in healthcare while struggling to afford your own.
Here’s What You Can Do Right Now
Let’s keep this simple. A few steps now can save you a lot later.
1. Figure out what you really make.
Don’t just look at your hourly rate.
Add your shift differentials, overtime, PTO, HSA contributions, and retirement match.
Then subtract your insurance costs and see your real take-home pay.
That number might surprise you.
2. Look at your plan options early.
During open enrollment, don’t rush.
Compare total costs — not just the monthly premium.
Add up the premium, deductible, copays, and your out-of-pocket max.
Ask HR about things like:
How much they put into your HSA or HRA
Wellness credits
Spousal surcharges
Per-paycheck deductions
3. Use your HSA if you have one.
This is one of the best tools you have.
It’s tax-free. You can use it for your deductible, doctor visits, prescriptions — even dental or vision.
Try to fund at least your deductible amount and set up automatic deposits from each paycheck.
Once your balance grows, you can even invest it and let it grow for the future.
4. Talk to other nurses.
Ask how their plans are changing.
Compare notes about premiums, coverage, and which prescriptions are covered.
If you’re in a union, bring those questions up as a group so leadership can push for better answers.
Smart Moves That Actually Help
A few smart habits can make next year a little easier:
Negotiate your benefits.
When your hospital or union renegotiates contracts, bring up premium costs.
Ask for more employer contributions or health stipends.Use your education money.
If your hospital pays for classes or certifications, that’s money you can redirect toward your HSA or medical bills.Join a nursing association.
Groups like the ANA or state chapters often share financial tools, discounts, or extra insurance options.Watch your paycheck.
Use your hospital’s payroll portal or a budgeting app to track how much insurance is taking out.
Adjust early before it catches you off guard.Compare with your partner.
If you’re married or share insurance with someone, look at total household costs.
Sometimes switching who carries the insurance saves thousands.
Little steps like these really do add up.
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Final Thoughts
You take care of everyone else all day.
This is your reminder to take care of yourself, too.
Look at what you earn, what gets taken out, and what you actually keep each month.
Set one small goal — maybe funding your HSA or comparing plans early.
If premiums jump like they’re expected to, don’t panic.
Just prepare.
Make a short checklist, talk to a coworker, and ask HR for help before enrollment closes.
The goal isn’t to beat the system — it’s to stay one step ahead of it.
Because when costs go up, being ready makes all the difference.
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