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The ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment season begins November 1, and with it comes looming changes to the enhanced premium tax credits, increases in out-of-pocket premiums, and changes to Marketplace enrollment and eligibility rules.
This analysis of insurers’ initial rate filings for Affordable Care Act Marketplace plans in all 50 states and DC finds the median proposed increase for 2026 is 18%, more than double last year’s proposed increase. The analysis also shows proposed rate changes by state and insurer.
Timely insights and analysis from KFF staff
Some members of Congress are considering an income cap on the ACA enhanced premium tax credits to lower federal costs. Depending on the income cutoff chosen, a cap may have little effect on the federal budget and a big effect on some households’ budgets, particularly for older enrollees. ... more
The debate over these enhanced tax credits can be seen as a proxy for the broader public’s concerns about health care affordability which may be why the public is largely in favor of extending these subsidies – even as overall views of the ACA are still very polarized. ... more
If the enhanced premium tax credits expire this year, the impact on ACA enrollees’ premium payments will vary by income, age, and geography. Among the five congressional districts with the highest premium increases, premiums will increase by over 500%. ... more
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Jared Ortaliza 
Ashley Kirzinger 
Lynne Cotter 
