When the Rules Change Mid-Game

So it’s looking like my health insurance costs are going to more than double in 2026

And if you’re self-employed and buy insurance through the Marketplace, there’s a good chance your costs could skyrocket too if the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits expire at the end of the year.

I won’t pretend that I’m not feeling anxious about this. And it’s frustrating that we don’t have more clarity on how things are going to pan out; especially with Open Enrollment just a couple weeks away.

But I’m not just sitting around and waiting to see which way the wind blows in Washington. I’m weighing a few options, and focusing on the things I can control right now.

Serenity Now!

There will always be things that impact us that are simply outside of our control: tax laws, software pricing, client budgets, or in this case, healthcare policy.

And sure, we can use whatever means we have to appeal for a better situation. Shop around, negotiate, contact your reps, vote your values.

But I'm not going hold your breath waiting for the world to bend around me.

A better way to spend our time and energy is to focus on the things we can control. What can I do? How can I adapt to the new rules? How can I best position myself for possible outcome "A" or possible outcome "B?"

We Set Our Own Salary

Being self-employed, we can feel especially vulnerable in situations like this. There’s no HR department working behind the scenes to negotiate benefits or smooth things over.

But we also have a huge advantage over our traditionally employed counterparts. We don’t have to settle for a set salary.

As small business owners, we have much more control over our earning potential.

If my costs rise $400 a month, that’s $4,800 a year.

Can I make an extra $5K next year?

Absolutely.

It will take some work and experimentation, but we have a lot of options at our disposal:

• We can raise our rates to offset increased costs.

• We can create new offers or expand existing ones.

• We can trim the fat; cutting subscriptions, streamlining expenses, and reclaiming profit.

• We can be creative; finding new ways to add value and increase revenue.

When something outside our control shifts, we double down on what we can control.

If you want to see the full breakdown of the different insurance options I’m considering, I cover all of them in my latest video. But health coverage is just the backdrop to a bigger lesson about how we can respond to change and challenge.

Don't look at this cost increase as a financial burden or setback. It’s a goalpost.

🎥 Watch the full video here →

Your move this week:

Look at one expense that’s creeping up. Maybe it’s healthcare, software, or groceries. Instead of just tightening your belt, ask:

PS - If you need a little extra help de-stressing from all of the craziness, click here.