Overview

• Preliminary filings show a median 15% national premium increase for 2026 plans, with Colorado carriers seeking an average 28.4% hike and some regions requesting above 38%.
• Insurers say the end of pandemic-era premium tax credits will add roughly 4 percentage points to their proposed rate increases by removing enhanced cost caps.
• Legislation dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act did not extend enhanced subsidies and imposed tighter renewal and eligibility checks, slashing Colorado’s reinsurance support by 40%.
• A coalition of 21 Democratic-led states has sued to block the ACA Integrity Rule set to begin in August, contending that shorter enrollment windows and added verification requirements could strip coverage from up to 1.8 million people.
• Insurers are also factoring in potential Trump administration tariffs on pharmaceuticals and ongoing medical cost inflation as drivers of their 2026 premium projections.