Onward Shield

11/27/2025

Why Marketplace (Obamacare/ACA) Plans Are Changing — And Why 2026 Rates May Rise

If you get your health insurance through Georgia Access or the Marketplace, you’ve probably noticed that plans, premiums, and subsidies seem to change every year. Here’s a quick, simple look at how Obamacare started and why 2026 may bring higher costs for many people.

A Quick Look Back

The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) launched in 2010 to:
• Make health insurance more affordable
• Protect people with pre-existing conditions
• Standardize essential benefits
• Offer income-based financial help

In 2014, the Marketplace opened and millions gained coverage—often for the first time.

What Changed? (2021–2025)

In 2021, Congress passed temporary rules that made plans much cheaper for most Americans:
• Bigger premium tax credits
• More help for middle-income families
• Many people qualified for $0–$20/month plans

These expanded subsidies were always meant to be temporary. They were extended through 2025, but unless Congress acts again, they will end starting January 1, 2026.

Why Rates Are Expected to Rise in 2026

When the enhanced subsidies expire:
• The maximum percentage of your income you pay toward premiums will go back up
• Middle-income families will lose the extra financial help
• Some people who paid $0–$50/mo could suddenly see premiums increase
• The cap of 8.5% of income will revert to the old ACA formula (which is higher)

This doesn’t mean insurance companies are jacking up prices—
it means the federal help that discounted your premium is scheduled to go away.

For many families, 2025 may actually be the last “cheap” year on the Marketplace unless new legislation passes.

What You Can Do Now

If you’re unsure how these changes affect you:
• I can help you review your plan
• Estimate your 2026 costs
• Compare options through Georgia Access
• Make sure you’re getting every dollar of help available

📞 Message me anytime
706-840-2546
Email : patrick@onwardshield.com

I’m here to make the ACA simple — and help you stay protected no matter what changes come

11/12/2025

If you are trying to enroll in a Georgia Access (marketplace) health insurance plan and would like some help, please let me know.
I can help explain the subsidies, the networks, the different insurance carriers and what to look for and what to avoid.
Call or text 706-840-2546

11/03/2025

What: Medicare 101 Educational Seminar
When: Saturday 11/8/2025 at 10am.
Where: First Baptist Church of Warrenton
Who: Open to the Public

11/01/2025

Open Enrollment starts today for ACA Health Insurance.

https://www.healthsherpa.com/?_agent_id=patrick-hackenberry

10/31/2025

10/29/2025

A Medigap Plan (also called a Medicare Supplement) works with Original Medicare (Parts A & B ) to fill the gaps. You can end up with health insurance coverage that covers almost 100%. (ALMOST)

On the other hand….. a Medicare Advantage plan takes the place of your Original Medicare and you must follow the policy rules made by the insurance company.

Ready to learn more?
See www.onwardshield.com

Patrick Hackenberry and onwardshield.com are NOT affiliated with the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.

10/24/2025

Just get a med supp

10/22/2025

When you work with a local broker, you get:
✅ Honest, one-on-one advice
✅ A free plan review
✅ Access to all the major plans — not just one company’s pitch

No call centers. No confusion. Just clear answers and personal service.
Let’s review your plan together and make sure you’re getting the coverage and value you deserve.

Schedule an appointment:
https://calendly.com/patrickhackenberry

or

📞 Call 706-840-2546

Patrick Hackenberry and onwardshield.com are NOT affiliated with the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.

10/17/2025

Medicare 101 Educational Seminar
Saturday Morning 10am
October 18th at New Hope Baptist Church in Thomson
Coffee ☕️, Donuts 🍩, and insurance information to help you to be prepared for making Medicare decisions.
Speaker is licensed broker- Patrick Hackenberry
Register at:
https://www.onwardshield.com/medicare101

Note:
Patrick Hackenberry and onwardshield.com are NOT affiliated with the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.

10/16/2025

Medicare Advantage plan benefits can change yearly.
It’s important to check if your doctors are still in network and if your meds are covered. Your extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and flexible spending card (( if qualified )) can change too.
Schedule your free appointment here:

https://calendly.com/patrickhackenberry/intro

Patrick Hackenberry and onwardshield.com are NOT affiliated with the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.

10/15/2025

Donuts + Coffee + insurance = a good time this Saturday morning at 10am.
New Hope Baptist Church in Thomson, GA.
Medicare 101 Seminar
Register here:
https://www.onwardshield.com/medicare101

or call or text 706-840-2546 for more information

10/14/2025

Tired of the endless Medicare mail, TV commercials, and out-of-state call centers?
It’s time to go local.

I’m Patrick Hackenberry — The Medicare Guy, right here in our community.
When you work with a local broker, you get:
✅ Honest, one-on-one advice
✅ A free plan review
✅ Access to all the major plans — not just one company’s pitch

No call centers. No confusion. Just clear answers and personal service.
Let’s review your plan together and make sure you’re getting the coverage and value you deserve.

Schedule an appointment:
https://calendly.com/patrickhackenberry

or

📞 Call 706-840-2546

Patrick Hackenberry and onwardshield.com are NOT affiliated with the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.