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The ACA MarketplaceS

Change in February effectuated enrollment, by state, 2025-2026

How Has ACA Marketplace Enrollment Changed Across States in 2026?

ACA Marketplace enrollment fell this year in every state except New Mexico, which was the only state to fully replace the enhanced premium tax credits that expired last year with a state-funded subsidy, according to a new KFF analysis of effectuated enrollment data. The Marketplace enrollment decline—the first in seven years—follows several years of rapid enrollment growth and coincides with the end of the enhanced federal subsidies.

How Much and Why ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Going Up in 2027

ACA Marketplaces insurers are proposing a median premium increase of 15% in 2027, according to KFF’s updated analysis of 276 insurers with publicly available filings across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. This is the second consecutive year of double-digit premium hikes. Last year’s median nationwide proposed rate change was 18%, and the median finalized rate change was 20%. While this proposed rate change is lower than last year, it represents the second-highest requested rate change since 2018, as premium growth had been relatively flat in this market for several years.

About the ACA

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Did the Affordable Care Act Make Health Care More Affordable?

The expiration of the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits at the start of 2026, combined with rising insurer premiums, put a spotlight on health care affordability that extends beyond Marketplace enrollees. KFF’s Cynthia Cox examines the ACA’s record and the broader underlying question it raises: what’s a fair price for Americans people to pay for health care?

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  • Do Marketplace plans cover dental care?

    FAQs

    It depends on your age. Dental coverage for children ages 18 and under is an "essential health benefit," meaning it must be available to any children you have, either as part of a health plan or through a separate dental plan, though you are not required to buy it. Dental coverage for adults is not considered an essential health benefit, so Marketplace plans don’t have to offer it.

  • How can I compare covered benefits in different Marketplace plans?

    FAQs

    Although all Marketplace health plans are required to cover the ten categories of essential health benefits, insurers in many states have flexibility to modify coverage for some of the specific services within each category, subject to approval by their Marketplace. All health plans must provide consumers with a Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) to make it easier to compare differences in health plan benefits and cost sharing. It is also available for each plan…

  • What health plans are offered through the Marketplace?

    FAQs

    All health plans offered through the Marketplace must meet the requirements of “qualified health plans.” This means they will cover essential health benefits, limit the amount of cost sharing (such as deductibles and co-pays) for covered benefits, cover certain preventive services at no cost to consumers, and satisfy all other consumer protections required under the Affordable Care Act. Health plans vary in the benefits they cover and the level of cost sharing required. Plans are…

  • I lost my job and my health coverage. Can I buy a Marketplace plan now, or do I have to wait for the next Open Enrollment?

    FAQs

    You can apply now. HealthCare.gov and all state Marketplaces allow a special enrollment opportunity when people lose other coverage, including job-based coverage. In general, you have 60 days following the loss of other job-based coverage to apply for a special enrollment opportunity through the Marketplace. If you have advance notice of your coverage loss, you can apply for the special enrollment opportunity up to 60 days in advance. If your state uses the federally facilitated Marketplace…

  • What about premiums I already paid in 2021?

    FAQs

    The higher premium subsidies are in effect for the 2021 and 2022 plan years.  For premiums you already paid in 2021, before the new law passed, you can claim the increased tax credit when you file your federal income tax return.

  • I am unemployed and receiving UI this year, but my income is low enough to qualify for Medicaid and I live in an expansion state. Can I choose between that and marketplace subsidies?

    FAQs

    No.  If you are eligible for Medicaid you cannot be eligible for marketplace subsidies.  Some people who receive UI benefits will be eligible for Medicaid, in part because Medicaid will NOT take into account the $300 per week federal supplemental UI benefits.  When you apply through the marketplace, you will receive a determination indicating whether you are eligible for Medicaid.  Medicaid coverage is also free or low cost (some states charge a nominal monthly premium…

  • I just got laid off. I am eligible for 6 months of COBRA subsidy, also eligible for Medicaid. Can I choose option that is best for me?

    FAQs

    Yes, eligibility for COBRA does not affect your eligibility for Medicaid or vice versa.  Medicaid also offers premium-free coverage (in some states Medicaid charges a nominal monthly premium for some adults) with no or nominal cost sharing.  As you consider options, you will want to compare provider networks, cost sharing, covered benefits, other plan features. If you elect COBRA, remember the subsidy ends no later than September 30, 2021.  If income remains at or below…

  • I am self-employed and my income varies from year to year. How do I apply for premium tax credits if I don’t know what my income will be next year?

    FAQs

    When you apply for the premium tax credit, you will be asked to estimate your expected income for the upcoming year. Often a good place to start is to consider what your income is this year, or what income you reported on your tax return last year. However, if your circumstances have changed since then, you should make your best estimate of what your income will be next year. For example, if you recently lost…