First Look: 2026 Obamacare Premiums Rise for Enrollees
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is set to experience significant changes in 2026 as premiums are projected to rise by an average of 26%. This increase is seen as one of the largest in the program’s history since its initiation over ten years ago. Open enrollment for next year begins on November 1, allowing consumers to preview these new premium rates through healthcare.gov.
2026 ACA Premium Increases Overview
According to a recent analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), the benchmark plan premium on healthcare.gov will increase by approximately 30%. In states managing their own healthcare exchanges, this increase is anticipated at about 17%. However, this analysis does not account for the expected expiration of enhanced premium subsidies.
As a result, many enrollees may see their monthly payments more than double in 2026. The loss of these enhanced subsidies, which have been critical in maintaining lower costs for consumers, is expected to create financial challenges for many.
Impact on Enrollees
- Approximately 60% of enrollees can still find plans for $50 or less monthly by applying original ACA subsidies.
- In 2025, 83% of consumers managed to access similarly priced plans.
- The expiration of enhanced assistance will likely discourage many from enrolling in coverage.
Last year, about 24 million Americans signed up for ACA coverage, with many benefiting from low premiums due to these subsidies. However, Democrats face a critical situation as they push for an extension of these enhanced subsidies estimated to cost $350 billion over a decade.
State-Specific Premium Changes
Some states are predicting severe premium increases due to the lapse of enhanced subsidies. For instance:
- New Jersey: Average premiums could exceed $2,780 annually, marking a 174% rise.
- Connect for Health Colorado: Premiums are projected to jump an average of 101%.
These sharp increases could result in about 60,000 enrollees in New Jersey losing federal assistance in 2026. In Colorado, roughly 75,000 residents may also lose health coverage, greatly impacting families with modest incomes.
Future Projections
If the enhanced subsidies are not renewed, an estimated 4 million additional people could become uninsured by 2034. This alarming trend could exacerbate the ongoing public health coverage crisis, with more families facing either higher premiums or inadequate coverage.
As consumers prepare to navigate through the impending rate changes, it remains vital for lawmakers to address the challenges posed by the expiring subsidies. The outcome could have long-lasting effects on the health insurance landscape under the ACA.
