ACA Marketplace Premiums 2027: Median +14% Proposed

ACA marketplace premiums 2027 are on track for another steep climb, with a median proposed increase of 14% across filings now public on the federal rate-review portal. If approved, the jump would mark the second consecutive double-digit year and push typical costs up more than one-third since 2025.

How This Was Verified

This analysis draws on KFF’s review of preliminary 2027 rate filings (published July 8, 2026), cross-checked against the official ratereview.healthcare.gov portal, which returned HTTP 200 in August 2026. Confirmed: median proposed increase 14%, filing deadline July 31, 2026, and open enrollment Nov 1, 2026 – Jan 15, 2027. Final rates arrive late summer; plan-level premiums in September. Last verified: August 2026.

How much will ACA marketplace premiums rise in 2027?

ACA marketplace premiums 2027 face a median proposed increase of 14% across 77 insurers in 16 states plus DC, according to KFF’s analysis of the 2027 rate filings. The range spans +1% to +52%, with 20 of 77 carriers requesting more than 20% and none proposing decreases.

Is this the worst premium spike on record?

No, but it is the second-highest since 2018; 2026’s finalized median increase of 20% was steeper, and 2025’s median proposed increase was 18%, per the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker. Together, the back-to-back hikes mean typical premiums will have risen by over one-third between 2025 and 2027 if the 2027 proposal is approved.

Why are insurers asking for such large increases?

Insurers cite accelerating medical and drug costs, projecting 10% cost growth for 2027 versus roughly 8% in prior years, with specialty drugs and GLP-1 agonists singled out as key drivers, according to KFF’s filing analysis. A sicker enrollee pool is also expected to add about 4 percentage points to 2027 premiums, mirroring a similar 4-point effect seen in 2026.

Who will feel the increase most acutely?

Households earning at or above 400% of the federal poverty level lost enhanced premium tax credits at the end of 2025 and now absorb the full brunt of rate hikes, KFF reports. Their average monthly premium hit about $178 in 2026, up 58% from the prior year, while deductibles rose 37% to roughly $3,800 annually, per CBS News.

What does this look like for a typical buyer?

A 40-year-old in Indianapolis earning $65,000 saw their benchmark plan cost rise from $316 per month in 2025 to $477 in 2026 and now faces a proposed $546 in 2027 — a 41% increase over two years, according to the Health System Tracker. That translates to nearly $650 more per year in 2027 alone compared to 2025.

Can I still get financial help?

Yes — about 87% of 2026 Marketplace enrollees still received some form of premium tax credit or cost-sharing reduction, according to KFF and the Health System Tracker. But the expanded credits that capped premium contributions for higher earners expired Dec 31, 2025, shifting more cost directly onto those who no longer qualify.

What can I do now before open enrollment?

Start by comparing your current plan’s total cost — premium plus out-of-pocket — against your past year’s healthcare usage with our health finance tools. Then recheck your subsidy eligibility for 2027, and use our guide to choosing a health insurance plan at open enrollment to match a metal tier to your expected costs.

Should I comment on the proposed rates?

You can — CMS is accepting public comment on the preliminary filings posted at ratereview.healthcare.gov through the summer of 2026, and consumer feedback has historically influenced final rate decisions. While your individual comment won’t change a specific insurer’s proposal, aggregated public input helps regulators flag outlier increases above the median 14% range.

Could an HSA help offset rising premiums?

If you’re in a high-deductible health plan, an HSA lets you set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified medical expenses and trims your taxable income. See how to maximize an HSA for limits and investment moves that offset rising deductibles, which now average about $1,000 more per person than in 2025, per KFF.

Consider broader cost-hedging strategies

Beyond plan selection, think about locking in lower-cost services where possible — generic prescriptions, preventive care, and in-network providers — and build a healthcare savings buffer to cover deductibles that are climbing faster than wages. Our post on hedging against rising healthcare costs outlines practical steps to protect your budget from future shocks.

FAQ

When will I know my exact 2027 premium?

Final 2027 rates are expected by late summer 2026, but plan-level premiums won’t be published until September — after insurers submit final filings to ratereview.healthcare.gov, which currently hosts only preliminary proposals.

How do I check if I qualify for subsidies in 2027?

Subsidy eligibility depends on your projected 2027 income and household size; the enhanced premium tax credits that expired at the end of 2025 mean fewer high earners will qualify, so run updated numbers through health finance tools or the Marketplace calculator during open enrollment.

What happens if I miss open enrollment?

Open enrollment runs Nov 1, 2026 – Jan 15, 2027; missing it means you’ll likely have to wait until next year’s period unless you qualify for a special enrollment window triggered by a life event, according to healthinsurance.org.