The 2026 Federal Actuarial Value Calculator (AVC) was released on October 16, 2024. The new version is methodologically similar to prior AVC models after two years in a row of substantial data updates and methodological changes. That does not mean the impacts will be mild though, as inflation continues to drive high trend which will push a number of plans outside the upper ends of the de minimis ranges. Counteracting trend, the 2026 Maximum Out of Pocket limit (MOOP) saw its biggest increase ever to $10,150 from $9,200 in 2025. The offsetting results of these two changes will be explored below as we further investigate the details and impacts of the 2026 updates.
