Nov. 5, 2025 – Health insurance coverage is facing an unprecedented level of uncertainty.

With Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies at the center of the federal government shutdown, no resolution had been reached before Nov. 1, the date that rate filings became public.

Both political parties have drawn firm lines. This creates significant uncertainty about what to expect for health care coverage costs in the coming year.

Allowing ACA subsidies to expire could have consequences beyond higher premiums for the roughly 21.4 million people enrolled in ACA plans as of 2024. This, coupled with other factors exerting upward pressure on health insurance premiums, including escalating health care costs, prescription drug prices, and labor expenses, is causing significant uncertainty and concern about what coverage costs will look like in 2026.

Rising costs could prompt some healthy individuals to drop coverage, shrinking the insured pool. This could drive premiums even higher, creating greater market instability.

Given the risks and uncertainties in the health insurance market, now is the time for law firms to look for and evaluate health care coverage options. The State Bar of Wisconsin Group Health Plan for Law Firms may be an option for you to consider.

Hear from others about their experience transitioning to the plan:

“Prior to enrolling in the State of Wisconsin group health plan, my health insurance costs were increasing annually at a double-digit rate. The State Bar of Wisconsin Group Health Plan dramatically lowered my firm’s health care costs and provided greater cost stability. The onboarding process was smooth, there were multiple plan options that can be tailored to different employees, and the hospital coverage network is strong.” Atty. Victor Reckmeyer, Reckmeyer Law, LLC, Milwaukee

Key Features of the State Bar Group Health Plan for Law Firms

For law firms, the State Bar’s Group Health Plan for Law Firms may offer a cost-effective alternative.

This plan, provided by Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS), is designed to help law firms provide quality health care coverage to State Bar members and their teams. Key features of this plan include:

• Eligibility: Your firm is eligible if it employs at least two employees, including at least one nonfamily member, who work at least 26 hours per week.

• Solo practitioners: Pure solo attorneys (without at least one nonfamily employee) are not eligible under current law.

• Employee participation: You must offer coverage to every nonfamily employee working 26 hours or more per week (unless your employee handbook defines full-time as 30 hours or more).

• Employer contributions: Employer contributions are optional, allowing flexibility to contribute toward premiums as your firm sees fit.

• Provider network: Access to both in-state and out-of-state networks, including Mayo Clinic, ensures a wide range of provider options and continuity of care.

• Flexible group sizes: Even small firms can access group rates and benefits, making it easier to secure quality health insurance.

Where to Find Out More for Your Situation

With significant premium increases on the horizon, now is the time to review your health care coverage options. You should work with a trusted advisor to consider your current health needs, preferred providers, and budget. Carefully review each plan’s premiums, deductibles, and coverage limits to ensure it meets your requirements.

For additional discussion, see “Prepare Now: Major Health Insurance Changes Coming in 2026,” InsideTrack, Aug. 6, 2025.

For more information regarding the State Bar program or personalized assistance, contact the Professional Insurance Programs representatives for rate quotes:

Christine Nadolski, benefits manager
Email: cnadolski@profinsprog.com
Phone: (414) 755-4172

Wendy Block, senior account manager
Email: wblock@profinsprog.com
Phone: (414) 755-4185