February 2026 Health Coverage Changes: Government Rules, Benefits and Premium Trends

Entering the second month of the year, new government health rules are taking effect. We explore how these changes impact your benefits and what premium trends to expect throughout 2026.

New Telehealth Regulations

As of February 2026, telehealth parity laws have been expanded, requiring all carriers to cover virtual mental health visits at the same rate as in-person ones. This is a major win for accessibility and affordability.

Premium Trends: The 2026 Forecast

While base premiums rose moderately in January, we are seeing a stabilization in February. Competitive pressures among top-tier carriers are leading to richer benefit packages, including integrated fitness and wellness subscriptions.

health_metrics Coverage Fact

Preventative care screenings for metabolic health are now 100% covered under all compliant plans starting this month.

Impact of AI in Diagnostics

Carriers are now incentivizing the use of AI-assisted diagnostic tools through lower copays, as these tools have proven to catch conditions earlier, reducing long-term costs.