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The ACA MarketplaceS

In Preliminary Rate Filings, ACA Marketplace Insurers Largely Propose Double-Digit Premium Increase For 2027, Following a Steep Climb This Year 

ACA Marketplace insurers are proposing a median premium increase of 14% for 2027— indicating a likely second consecutive year of double-digit increases, according to a new analysis of preliminary rate filings in 16 states and DC. If these increases hold, typical premiums for insurers participating in the ACA Marketplaces would jump by more than one-third between 2025 and 2027.

The Average Marketplace Deductible Grew by About $1,000 Per Person in 2026, With More Enrollees Shifting to Higher-Deductible Plans as Enhanced Tax Credits Expired

The average Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace deductible experienced the steepest increase in history—growing by 37% or over $1,000, from $2,759 in 2025 to $3,786 in 2026 as enhanced premium tax credits expired, according to a new KFF analysis. After the enhanced tax credits ended, many Marketplace shoppers shifted toward lower-premium, higher-deductible plans.

POLLING on the ACA

Tracking the Public’s Views on the ACA

While overall opinion of the Affordable Care Act has been more favorable than unfavorable since 2017, there remain deep partisan divides. See how public opinion on the ACA has changed from the inception of the law to the present. This interactive tool highlights key moments when views shifted and trends based on party identification, income, age, gender, and race/ethnicity.

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  • What is the health insurance Marketplace?

    FAQs

    Health insurance Marketplaces (also known as Exchanges) are organized markets where individuals and families can shop for and enroll in health insurance online, over the phone, or in person. Marketplaces offer a choice of different health plans, certify plans that participate, and provide information to help consumers understand their options and apply for coverage. There is a health insurance Marketplace in every state. Some are operated by the state and have a special state name (such as…

  • I heard the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate ended. Does it still make sense to sign up?

    FAQs

    While there is no longer a federal tax penalty for being uninsured, some states (CA, MA, NJ, and RI) and DC have enacted individual mandates and may apply a state tax penalty if you lack health coverage for the year. Regardless of any tax penalty, it is still important to have insurance coverage to help reduce the risk of large medical bills if you get sick, to pay for medications, and to pay for check-ups…

  • I’m covered under my parents’ plan and just had a baby. Will my parents’ plan cover my baby after he’s born?

    FAQs

    Your parents' plan, regardless of the source, is generally not required to cover your child as a dependent. Depending on your income, your child may be eligible for coverage under the Medicaid/CHIP program in your state. Or you can buy a family plan through the Marketplace and, depending on your income and whether health insurance is available from your own employer, you may be eligible for a premium tax credit and cost-sharing subsidy to reduce…

  • I am covered by Medicaid, but I’m wondering if I can drop my Medicaid and purchase one of the health plans offered through the Marketplace instead?

    FAQs

    While you are allowed to purchase Marketplace coverage, if you are currently covered by Medicaid or have been told you are eligible for Medicaid, you are not eligible for premium tax credits that make Marketplace coverage more affordable for people with lower incomes. Without the Marketplace tax credits, the cost of a Marketplace plan will likely be unaffordable. Medicaid offers comprehensive coverage with no or low premiums and limited out-of-pocket costs.

  • Is there any reason the Marketplace wouldn’t automatically adjust and continue my premium tax credit at renewal time?

    FAQs

    Yes. If you live in a state that uses HealthCare.gov, when you first applied for coverage, you had the opportunity to authorize the Marketplace to check online income data about you, including from your tax returns, for another 1 to 5 years. If you did not authorize this, your financial assistance will NOT be automatically continued for next year and you will have to re-apply for financial assistance in order to keep receiving it. If…

  • 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.

  • Who can buy coverage in the Marketplace?

    FAQs

    Most people can shop for coverage in the Marketplace. To be eligible you must live in the state where your Marketplace is, you must be a citizen of the U.S. or be lawfully present in the U.S., you must not currently be incarcerated, and you cannot currently be enrolled in Medicare. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is no longer considered an eligible immigration status for health coverage through the Marketplaces. Not everybody who is…

  • 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…