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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
The expiration of the ACA enhanced premium tax credits at the end of this year would reintroduce the “subsidy cliff,” which abruptly ends the credit for Marketplace enrollees earning over 400% of poverty. That means some middle-income enrollees, especially older ones, would spend a much larger share of their income on premium payments than those… ... more
Affordable Care Act Marketplace insurers are raising premiums by an average of 18% next year, due in part to the expiring enhanced premium tax credits. Even if the credits are extended in shutdown negotiations, it is unlikely that insurers will have time to revise premiums, though the credits would still offer enrollees relief from them. ... more
Since the enhanced premium tax credits became available in 2021, ACA Marketplace enrollment has increased significantly in some red states, and 57% of enrollees now live in Republican congressional districts. ... more
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Shameek Rakshit 
Cynthia Cox 
Jared Ortaliza 
