Why are health insurance costs increasing for 2026?

Health insurance premiums are rising due to various factors, with ACA exchange plans seeing about a 30% increase and employer plans up by 6-7% on average.

What was Dr. Mehmet Oz's advice on lowering healthcare costs?

Dr. Oz suggested that individuals could lower healthcare expenses by 'getting healthier,' attributing a significant portion of costs to obesity.

Why is Dr. Oz's advice about health costs controversial?

Critics argue his advice is simplistic, ignoring health's complexity, unforeseen medical events, and the financial realities many Americans face.

Home / Health / Oz's 'Healthier' Advice Sparks Outrage Amid Rising Costs

Oz's 'Healthier' Advice Sparks Outrage Amid Rising Costs

21 Nov

•

Summary

Health insurance premiums are rising significantly for 2026 plans.
Dr. Mehmet Oz suggested being healthier to lower healthcare expenses.
Critics argue Oz's advice is simplistic and ignores systemic issues.

Oz's 'Healthier' Advice Sparks Outrage Amid Rising Costs

Americans are facing escalating health insurance costs for 2026, with premiums on state exchanges surging by approximately 30% and employer-sponsored plans seeing a 6-7% average increase. As budgets are strained by rising expenses for essentials like groceries and housing, a recent suggestion from Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, has drawn sharp criticism.

During a Fox News appearance, Oz stated that obesity accounts for "probably a quarter of all healthcare expenses" and advised, "So if you really want to drop the cost of healthcare in America, get healthier." This statement has been met with backlash, as obesity-related healthcare costs are estimated at $173 billion annually, a fraction of the $4.9 trillion total US healthcare spending in 2023, according to official figures.