Why ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Rising in 2027

What is confirmed

• Insurers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia have filed proposed 2027 rates. Across 276 insurers, KFF found a median proposed increase of 15%.
• That follows a median proposed increase of 18% for 2026, which ended at a median finalized increase of 20%.
• The enhanced premium tax credits created by the American Rescue Plan Act expired on December 31, 2025.
• Proposed rates are preliminary. They can change during each state's review.

Why insurers say premiums are rising

• The rising cost of health services.
• The expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits. For 2027, insurers project it adds roughly 4 percentage points to premiums.
• Some federal regulatory changes.

What already happened in 2026

• The average monthly premium payment, after tax credits, rose 58%, from $113 to $178, according to KFF.
• Marketplace enrollment fell in every state except New Mexico, the only state to fully replace the expired credits with a state-funded subsidy.
• Many consumers switched to bronze plans, which have lower premiums and higher deductibles. The average Marketplace deductible grew by about $1,000 per person.

Who feels it most

Most enrollees still qualify for subsidies, and KFF says those subsidies shield most of them from further increases. People with incomes at or above 400% of the federal poverty level lost subsidies entirely when the enhanced credits expired. In 2026 that line is $62,600 for a single person. These households face the full premium.

Enrollment dates for 2027 coverage

• In states that use HealthCare.gov, open enrollment for 2027 runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027, according to CMS.
• Pick a plan between November 1 and December 15 for coverage that starts January 1. Pick between December 16 and January 15 for coverage that starts February 1.
• State-run marketplaces can set their own dates, so check yours.

What it may mean (our analysis)

Insurers say the expiration is changing who stays in the market, which is one reason they project higher costs. Final rates, and how many people stay enrolled, will be clearer after state review and after open enrollment.

What to do

1. Update your income and household details when you apply, because your subsidy depends on them.
2. Compare plans by total cost, not only the premium. Look at the deductible and the out-of-pocket maximum too.
3. Check your doctors, hospitals and drugs against each plan's network and drug list.
4. Do not let a plan renew automatically without checking the new price and benefits.
5. If your state runs its own marketplace, use its website for dates and plans.

Common mistakes

• Choosing the lowest premium without checking the deductible.
• Assuming last year's subsidy amount still applies.
• Waiting until after December 15 and expecting January 1 coverage.

General information only. It is not insurance, legal or financial advice. Rules and dates change and differ by state and plan, so confirm details with the official source, your insurer or your state agency.