Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of understanding health insurance costs during the open enrollment period, highlighting potential increases in premiums and the implications for employees' take-home pay [1][4]. Premiums - Premium costs are projected to increase by 6.5% in 2026 for employers who have implemented cost-reduction measures, and potentially by 9% for those who have not [3]. - Employers may absorb some of the increased costs, but a portion is likely to be passed on to employees, resulting in higher premiums that will reduce monthly take-home pay [4]. Deductibles - A deductible is the amount that must be paid out-of-pocket before insurance coverage begins, with high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) requiring higher initial payments but offering lower premiums [5]. - HDHPs can be paired with health savings accounts (HSAs), allowing pre-tax contributions to cover costs not included in insurance, such as deductibles [6]. - It is crucial for individuals to ensure they have sufficient funds to cover the deductible when considering an HDHP, as this can be financially beneficial if managed correctly [7].