Marketplace Health Insurance Is Set to Rise Again in 2027
Insurers selling Affordable Care Act marketplace plans have proposed a median premium increase of about 15% for 2027, the second year of double-digit rises, citing medical costs and the end of enhanced tax credits. What it means and how to prepare for open enrollment.
By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 13 September 2026 · 5-minute read
This article is general information, not insurance or financial advice.
"Health insurance" is among the most-searched health terms on Google, and for millions of Americans who buy their own coverage, the 2027 numbers are now coming into focus.
The Numbers
- ACA marketplace insurers are proposing a median premium increase of about 15 percent for 2027, according to KFF's analysis of 276 insurers with public filings across all 50 states and Washington, DC.
- An earlier KFF review of 77 insurers found most requesting 10 to 20 percent, with 20 insurers seeking more than 20 percent.
- This follows a steep rise in 2026, making it the second consecutive year of double-digit increases.
Why Prices Are Rising
The cost of care. Insurers expect the underlying cost of medical care and prescription drugs to rise by about 10 percent for 2027, above the roughly 8 percent average of recent years.
Enhanced tax credits ended. Extra federal premium tax credits expired at the end of 2025. That raised what many people pay and reduced enrolment in 2026.
A sicker risk pool. Insurers report that healthier people were more likely to drop coverage, leaving a group with higher average medical costs, and they expect that trend to continue.
These Are Proposals, Not Final Prices
Rate filings are preliminary and can change during state review. Final rates are set before open enrollment, when shoppers can see actual prices for their area.
What You Can Do Now
- Do not auto-renew blindly. Your current plan's price may change more than others in your area.
- Check subsidy eligibility using your expected 2027 income. Standard premium tax credits still exist for eligible households.
- Compare metal levels. A lower premium can mean a higher deductible — estimate your total yearly cost, not just the monthly bill.
- Check your doctors and prescriptions are covered in any new plan's network and formulary.
- Note the deadlines for open enrollment in your state so you do not miss the window.
- Get free help from certified navigators if the choices are confusing.
The Wider Picture
Health costs are one of several household bills moving higher in 2026, alongside car insurance in many states and mortgage rates. For retirees, the expected 2027 Social Security increase is also taking shape.
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- Social Security COLA 2027 Estimate: 3.5% to 3.6%, the Biggest Rise Since 2023
Sources
- "ACA marketplace insurers are proposing a median premium increase of about 15% in 2027," KFF — kff.org
- "In preliminary rate filings, ACA marketplace insurers largely propose double-digit premium increase for 2027," KFF — kff.org
- "How much and why ACA marketplace premiums are going up in 2027," Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker — healthsystemtracker.org
- "Affordable Care Act insurers want more premium increases as enrollment sags," KFF Health News — kffhealthnews.org
