Why are health insurance premiums going up? For 2027, Marketplace insurers proposed a median increase of about 15%, right after a jump of more than 20% for 2026. The biggest reason is that the extra federal subsidies ended after 2025, so healthier people dropped coverage and left a sicker, costlier risk pool. Rising hospital prices and drug costs add to it. The good news is you can still lower your bill by comparing plans during Open Enrollment, which runs November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027.
- Insurers proposed a median 15% Marketplace rate increase for 2027, the second double-digit jump in a row.
- The average benchmark silver premium for a 40-year-old rose from $497 to $625 a month in 2026.
- Enhanced premium tax credits expired after 2025, and Congress has not renewed them.
- Comparing plans, updating your income and checking every metal tier can still cut what you pay.
How Much Health Insurance Premiums Are Rising
Before 2026, Marketplace premiums barely moved. In fact, they grew about 2% a year for five years. Then the trend broke.
| Plan year | Benchmark silver, age 40, per month | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $497 | Little change from prior years |
| 2026 | $625 | Up more than 20% |
| 2027 (estimate) | About $719 | Median proposed increase of about 15% |
These are prices before any tax credit. Your actual cost depends on your income, age, ZIP code and the plan you pick. To see what drives your own price, read what affects your monthly premium.
Five Reasons Health Insurance Premiums Are Going Up
- Enhanced subsidies ended. Extra premium tax credits ran from 2021 through 2025. Once they expired, many people saw their share of the premium double or even triple.
- Healthier people left. Marketplace enrollment fell from about 25.2 million in mid-2025 to 20.5 million in mid-2026. Younger, healthier people are the most likely to drop coverage.
- A sicker risk pool. As a result, insurers expect higher claims per member. Roughly 4 points of the 2027 increase reflect that shift.
- Medical costs keep climbing. Insurers point to higher hospital and doctor prices, costly prescription drugs and more use of care.
- Fewer insurers. Several companies are leaving the Marketplace for 2027, so some areas have less price competition.
Want the full story on subsidies? See our guide to the ACA subsidy cliff. Or call 888-730-6001 and a licensed agent will check your 2027 price.
Don't judge a plan by last year's price. Each fall, insurers reprice every plan, and the cheapest option often changes. So compare all of your choices before you let your plan renew.
Increases Vary by State
The 15% figure is a national median. However, your state could look very different.
- Arizona had the highest weighted average proposal, at about 29%.
- Vermont, Iowa and Utah came in under 7%.
- Florida regulators approved a weighted average increase of 10.4%.
- Texas insurers proposed a weighted average of about 13%.
Even within one state, two plans can move in opposite directions. That is why plan-by-plan shopping matters. Find your local options on our state health insurance pages.
A licensed Vivna agent will compare plans from Ambetter, Oscar, UnitedHealthcare and more in your ZIP code, at no cost.
Who Feels the Increase Most
| Situation | Why it hits harder |
|---|---|
| Income above 400% of the poverty level | No tax credit at all, so you pay the full increase |
| Older adults in their 50s and early 60s | Age-rated premiums are already the highest |
| Your insurer is leaving | Your replacement plan may cost more |
| Self-employed with uneven income | Guessing income wrong can mean repaying credits |
If your insurer is exiting, read what to do when your insurance company leaves the Marketplace. Self-employed? Our self-employed health insurance guide can help.
How to Lower Your Premium
- Update your income. Your tax credit is based on what you expect to earn next year. An accurate estimate helps you avoid a surprise at tax time.
- Compare every metal tier. A bronze plan can cost far less each month. Read bronze vs. silver plans to weigh the trade-off.
- Check a catastrophic plan. If you're under 30 or qualify for an exemption, see catastrophic health insurance.
- Look outside the Marketplace. Healthy people in approved states may pay less with short-term health insurance, though it covers less.
- Use the full window. Pick a plan by December 15 so coverage starts January 1.
An Example: Same Person, Three Years
Here's how the numbers can play out. Take a 40-year-old earning just above $63,840 a year, which is 400% of the poverty level for one person.
- In 2025, with the enhanced credit, this person paid about $445 a month for a benchmark plan.
- In 2027, with no credit and a 15% increase, the same plan could cost about $719 a month.
- That's roughly $3,300 more a year for the same coverage.
So if you're near that income line, small moves matter. For instance, a pre-tax retirement contribution can lower the income that counts for subsidies. Our Open Enrollment checklist walks through each step.
Why Are Health Insurance Premiums Going Up: FAQs
How much will health insurance go up in 2027?
Insurers proposed a median increase of about 15% for Marketplace plans. Final rates vary by state and plan.
Will the enhanced subsidies come back?
As of October 2026, no extension has become law. We'll update this guide if that changes.
Can I keep my current plan?
Usually, yes, if your insurer still offers it. Still, compare first, since its price may have changed.
When can I change plans?
During Open Enrollment, November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov. Otherwise, you need a qualifying life event.
Do premiums go up with age?
Yes. Marketplace plans can charge older adults up to three times what they charge younger adults.
We'll compare every plan in your area and check your savings. Call Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm.
Sources
- Commonwealth Fund: More ACA premium spikes to come in 2027
- HealthInsurance.org: 2027 ACA open enrollment, what's changing
- Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker: Premium and deductible trade-offs
- ACASignups: Florida 2027 approved rate changes
- HealthCare.gov: Open Enrollment dates and deadlines
Premium figures are national averages and estimates as of October 2026. Final rates vary by state, insurer, plan, age and income. Short-term health insurance is not ACA-compliant coverage and is available only in approved states. Vivna Insurance is a licensed, independent agency (NPN 19168641). We are not affiliated with HealthCare.gov or any government agency.