ACA Market Insurance Company Proposes Median Premium Increases 15% in 2026
According to new analysis, ACA Markets insurers are proposing their largest premium hike since 2018, with a median increase of 15% and expected to be in 2026. Several policy changes seem to be the culprit.
The analysis was published last week from KFF and Peterson Health Care Center. It examined preliminary applications from 105 ACA market insurers in 19 states and Washington, D.C. and found that among these insurers, most people demanded an increase in the premium in 2026 between 10% and 20%. More than a quarter (27%) require a 20% or more increase.
In recent years, premiums in individual markets have “relatively flat or only moderately increased”, researchers said. Last year, only 3% of insurers increased premiums by 20% or more. Additionally, some insurers have lowered premiums over the past few years, and so far, no insurers have asked for lower interest rates.
As in recent years, rising health care costs are a key factor in the increase in these rates. Analysis shows that this year's GLP-1 and health care labor market pressures have had a significant impact on health care costs.
However, in addition to rising costs, several policy changes are having an impact. This includes receiving enhanced premium tax credits at the end of the year, which has provided financial assistance to those with ACA market coverage over the past five years. Unless Congress renews the enhanced premium tax credit, subsidized enrollees will increase premiums by more than 75% in 2026.
“The vast majority of insurers mention this in their rate filings, and most insurers say their premiums will increase by an additional 4% over renewal enhanced tax credits,” the researchers said.
Analysis shows that tariffs on drugs, medical equipment and supplies also have an impact. Some insurance companies expect an average increase of 3% due to tariffs.
Trump’s ACA’s integrity rules also “creates uncertainty in the filing process.” The rule tightens the verification of eligibility for the ACA program, among other changes. It comes into effect in August and is expected to cause up to 1.8 million people to lose coverage.
“However, based on what insurers have proposed so far, this is not usually driving changes in rates in either direction,” the report said. “Insurers and state regulators are still finalizing rates for the upcoming planned year, so the premium increase in these submissions is likely to change.”
The researchers added that the finalized 2026 speed change is expected to be released by the end of the summer.
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