ACA insurers propose median 14% premium rise in 2027

Americans who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace are likely to face a second consecutive year of double-digit premium increases in 2027, according to a new analysis of preliminary insurer filings. The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) reported Wednesday that a review of filings from 77 insurers in 16 states and the District of Columbia shows a median proposed premium increase of 14 percent for next year.

If finalized, this would follow a median increase of 20 percent for 2026. Over the two-year period from 2025 to 2027, typical premiums are on track to rise by more than one-third. Insurers cited several converging factors driving the proposed hikes, including rising costs for hospital and physician services, increased prescription drug spending, general economic inflation, and healthcare workforce shortages.

A primary driver identified in the analysis is the expiration at the end of 2025 of enhanced federal premium subsidies that were initially expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic. The loss of those subsidies has led to significantly higher out-of-pocket costs for many enrollees. KFF data indicates premiums rose an average of 58 percent in 2026...