Overview

• A KFF analysis of preliminary filings from 312 insurers across all 50 states and D.C. shows a median requested premium increase of 18% for 2026, more than double last year’s 7% hike.
• Insurers cite rising hospital, physician and prescription drug costs together with the looming end of enhanced ACA premium tax credits as the main drivers of their rate filings.
• If Congress does not extend the subsidies set to expire at year‐end, average out‐of‐pocket premiums for subsidized enrollees could jump by over 75% in January, risking about 4 million people leaving the exchanges per CBO estimates.
• Several major carriers have submitted multiple filings—some planning to refile bids for higher rates after second‐quarter cost reviews and others, including Aetna, preparing to exit select ACA markets in 2026.
• State insurance regulators are scheduled to review and finalize 2026 marketplace rates by late summer, determining how much of the proposed increases take effect.