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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?

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.

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  • Recibí un formulario 1095-C por correo. ¿Qué es?

    FAQs

    El formulario 1095-C indicará su nombre y el de su empleador, los meses en que tuvo derecho a cobertura y el costo de la prima mensual más baja que podría haber contratado bajo el plan de salud de su empleador. Si trabajó para una empresa grande que no ofrecía cobertura médica a sus empleados de tiempo completo, el formulario 1095-C también lo indicará. Conserve este formulario con sus registros fiscales. Es posible que lo necesite…

  • Do Marketplace plans cover gender-affirming care? What changes have there been to coverage requirements?

    FAQs

    Not necessarily. Coverage varies by state and by plan. Some, but not all, states prohibit health insurance plans from excluding coverage for gender-affirming care. Even in states where coverage is required, it is possible that not all gender affirming services will be covered. For example, a plan might cover hormone therapy but not laser hair removal. In states where coverage for gender-affirming care is not required, some plans may exclude this coverage altogether. Beginning in…

  • How can I protect my personal information while enrolling in Marketplace coverage through a non-Marketplace website?

    FAQs

    Here are some tips on protecting your personal information if you choose to enroll in Marketplace coverage through a non-Marketplace website: Beware of sales techniques that pressure you to make quick decisions. Use this HealthCare.gov tool to find certified enrollment partner websites approved by the Marketplace. Be cautious in engaging with advertisements that offer cash, gifts, or other perks. The information you provide through these advertisements could be used for other purposes without your consent.…

  • Use of ACA preventive services potentially affected by Braidwood v. Becerra

    Issue Brief

    This analysis finds that about 10 million privately insured people received at least one ACA preventive service or drug that could be affected by a now-stayed U.S. District Court ruling, which found the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) requirement to cover certain preventive services without any cost sharing to be partially unconstitutional.

  • No, Medicaid Isn’t Broken

    From Drew Altman

    With Medicaid about to be a focal point of debate in the Senate, Drew Altman's Axios column looks at why the idea that the program is broken is more urban legend than fact.

  • The Share of Young Adults Who Received Mental Health Treatment Jumped 45% from 2019 to 2022, the Largest Increase Among Any Age Group

    News Release

    A new KFF analysis shows that the share of young adults (ages 18 to 26) receiving mental health treatment rose by 45% between 2019 and 2022 – a steeper increase than in any other age group. More than 1 in 4 young adults (26%) received counseling and/or medication for mental health concerns in 2022, up from 18% three years earlier, according to the analysis of the most up-to-date National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data available.…

  • JAMA Forum: Has Obamacare Become Trumpcare?

    Perspective

    With the effort to repeal or replace the Affordable Care Act seemingly on hold or even dead, Larry Levitt discusses what the Trump administration could do to make the ACA successful - including providing clarity around individual mandate enforcement and cost-sharing reduction payments; maintaining outreach and consumer assistance; and encouraging insurers to participate in the individual insurance marketplaces. The post is now available at The JAMA Forum.

  • Policy Changes Bring Renewed Focus on High-Deductible Health Plans 

    Issue Brief

    Policy changes, anticipated increases in premium costs for enrollees, and new standards for health savings accounts may encourage consumers to seek out plans with lower premiums but higher deductibles. This issue brief explores the features of bronze and catastrophic plans, coverage and costs, and the complicated choices consumers face.