Commonwealth Fund January 15, 2026
TOPLINES
ACA premiums increased by 21.7 percent on average in 2026 — far outpacing expected premium increases in the employer-sponsored insurance market
New federal policies and the expiration of enhanced ACA premium tax credits are the main reasons why marketplace plan premiums increased more than 20 percent in 2026
In 2026, Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums increased by more than 20 percent, in large part because insurers believe they are facing increased risk due to the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits and other policies. A new Urban Institute report finds that marketplace benchmark premiums (i.e., the second-lowest-cost silver plans) have increased by an average 21.7 percent.1 This increase is significantly larger than the 6 percent to 7 percent projected...
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