How Much the Largest ACA Insurers Are Raising Premiums By In 2026

From Becker’s Payer Issues

ACA premiums are set to rise by 15% on average in 2026, The Wall Street Journal reported July 18. The Journal used data analyzed by KFF to report rate increases for the largest insurers in 19 states. BCBS Illinois is requesting premium increases above 25%. A spokesperson for Health Care Service Corp., the insurer’s parent company, said the plans are “priced to reflect anticipated healthcare needs.” Around one-quarter of ACA plans analyzed by KFF are requesting rate increases greater than 20% for 2026. Plans have cited rising medical costs as a major factor behind the requested premium hikes. Insurers expect prices to rise by around 8% in 2026, similar to the costs predicted for 2025.

The expected end of enhanced premium subsidies and possible tariffs also play a role. Enhanced tax credits, which offset the cost of premiums for many marketplace consumers, will expire at the end of 2025, unless Congress votes to extend them. Insurers expect healthier consumers to leave the marketplace if premiums go up, raising costs. Some insurers also mentioned tariffs in their rate requests, which could increase pharmaceutical costs.

Here’s what some of the largest ACA insurers are requesting for premium increases in 2026:

Above 25%