2026 ACA Marketplace Faces Highest Premium Increases in Five Years Due to Market Instability

Health insurance premiums in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace for 2026 are projected to see the highest increases in five years, with a median hike of 15% compared to 7% in 2025. This surge is largely driven by significant instability in the health insurance market. Key factors contributing to this instability include uncertainty around the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, which have previously helped keep premiums lower for millions of Americans. Insurers are pricing in the assumption that these tax credits will end, resulting in a projected 4 percentage point increase in premiums.