Overview

• Insurers in 19 states and D.C. have filed preliminary 2026 rate requests averaging a 15% increase, the largest median hike since 2018.
• Colorado insurers have sought 28.4% average increases, with filings above 38% in Western Slope and Grand Junction, driven by federal changes and rising costs.
• The July 4 enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act let enhanced 2021–25 ACA premium subsidies expire and imposed new eligibility checks and shortened enrollment.
• Commonwealth Fund estimates net marketplace premiums could rise 25%–100% depending on income once enhanced tax credits lapse.
• The CBO projects 4.2 million more uninsured by 2034 if enhanced subsidies are not extended, as healthier enrollees may drop coverage and shrink risk pools.