Private health insurance costs are going up. A complete guide to your coverage options
Private health insurance costs will rise in 2026. Experts say you can still save.
9 min read
Dec 11, 2025
Sarah Gage
Managing Editor, Credit Cards
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18Years of Experience
EXPERTISE
- Credit card news
- Credit cards
- Credit card debt
- Building credit
- Business credit cards
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Arts, University of Michigan
Sarah Gage is a managing editor on the Bankrate team. Sarah has more than 16 years of professional writing and editing experience, and she is passionate about providing clear, concise information that helps people take control of their personal finances. Her finance writing has been featured by Entrepreneur, Tally and Happy Money, among others.
Outside of her work, Sarah enjoys camping, hiking, and planning her next rewards travel trip.
Sarah wants you to know
Sarah’s first credit card was the Chase card she opened as a college freshman (before she knew that free pizza wasn’t the best sign-up bonus). She now uses a mix of cash back and travel cards and is always looking for new ways to maximize her rewards and redemptions.
Sarah Gage's recommended readings
How to maximize your credit card rewards
How to maximize cash back with your credit card
The pros and cons of travel credit cards
Money gives you options. The more you can take control of your personal finances, the more options become available to you.
— Sarah Gage
Sarah's latest articles
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This TikToker paid off thousands in credit card debt. Then the government shutdown happened
For Selena Cooper, the government shutdown wasn’t just a disruption. It sent her backwards on a credit card debt payoff journey she had nearly completed.
5 min read Nov 12, 2025 -
Car repossessions are up 43%. Here’s what to do if it happens to you
Shock. Anger. Shame. And finally, hopelessness. The emotions that follow a car repossession can be overwhelming, but they often converge into one lingering question: “What do I do now?” As an insurance [...]
6 min read Nov 12, 2025 -
The Fed makes a second interest rate cut. Here’s what will — and won’t — change for your money.
Borrowers often don’t notice small rate cuts, and a weakening economy could dull the relief.
8 min read Oct 29, 2025 -
One Big Number: $672 | The average annual Social Security raise in 2026
Social Security recipients can expect to see a higher-than-average COLA raise in 2026.
2 min read Oct 27, 2025 -
Rescue the job market or stop inflation? A rate cut from the Fed this week could hit your wallet — and your paycheck
Officials are cutting rates to shore up the job market, but it’s not without risk.
5 min read Oct 26, 2025 -
Government shutdown and flood insurance: What happens to NFIP coverage and what are your options?
More than 4.7 million homeowners depend on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for financial protection against flooding, covering roughly $1.3 trillion in property value. But when the government [...]
4 min read Oct 23, 2025 -
Economists are realizing the job market is cooling. Workers have known it for months.
Before data started to show that the job market was slowing, cracks appeared in people’s lives first.
10 min read Oct 22, 2025 -
Do medical bills affect your credit? New federal rules may cause changes, but you can still protect yourself
Medical debt under $500 is now off your credit reports, even if it goes into collections.
8 min read Oct 10, 2025