Skip to content

Why are health insurance premiums going up in 2027?

The short answer

KFF reports that finalized benchmark Silver Marketplace premiums are rising an average of 13% nationwide for 2027 before tax credits. Your own price can rise by more or less. Higher medical costs and changes in enrollment are among the reasons insurers cite; your income, plan and available savings also affect what you pay.

Updated

By Health Insurance Solutions in Orlando, Florida.

How we research and review

A licensed agent calls you at no cost.

How much are premiums going up?

KFF's November 6 analysis puts the average increase in finalized benchmark Silver premiums at 13% for 2027, before subsidies. The benchmark is the second-lowest-cost Silver plan in a marketplace area; it is used to calculate premium tax credits. It is not the price change for every plan or household.

Earlier, insurers proposed a median increase of 15% across the individual market. That proposed insurer-rate measure and the finalized benchmark premium average measure different things; neither predicts your bill. Compare the 2027 plans and the savings shown on your own Marketplace application.

Why are premiums rising?

  • Higher prices for hospital care, doctor visits and other health services
  • General inflation and shortages of health care workers
  • The end of the extra premium tax credits after 2025. Insurers say healthier people were more likely to drop coverage, which raises average costs for the people who stayed.

Will my tax credit cover the increase?

It depends. The credit is based in part on the second-lowest-cost Silver plan in your area, so when that benchmark price rises, an eligible household's credit may rise too.

Other plans can rise by more or less than the benchmark, so your share can still change. The enhanced credits expired after 2025; regular credits remain for many eligible households. People with no credit pay the full premium. See what Congress may consider, but do not assume a proposal has become law.

What else is changing for 2027?

ChangeWhat it means for you
The out-of-pocket maximum rises to $12,000 for one person and $24,000 for a familyA plan can ask you to pay more in a bad year. Compare out-of-pocket limits as well as premiums.
Insurers are leaving the marketplace in 24 statesIf your plan is ending, the marketplace may move you to another plan. Compare your options and choose the replacement yourself.
New insurers are joining in 7 states, including Georgia, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and TexasYou may have new plans to compare.
Health savings account limits rise to $4,500 for one person and $9,000 for a familyMarketplace Bronze and catastrophic plans can be HSA eligible. You must also meet individual contribution rules.
Fewer immigrants qualify for savingsAmong noncitizens, only green card holders, Cuban and Haitian entrants and COFA migrants can get savings.
Some HealthCare.gov shoppers may need to confirm their identityKeep your contact details current and leave extra time to enroll.

How can I keep my costs down?

  • Do not let your plan renew without looking. Compare plans during open enrollment, November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 in most states, and choose by December 15, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1.
  • Update your expected income and household on your application so your credit is right.
  • Compare Bronze plans. They usually have lower premiums and higher deductibles; eligible people can use an HSA to set aside pre-tax money for care.
  • Look at the total yearly cost, the premium plus the deductible and copays you expect, not just the monthly price.
  • If your income is low enough, look at silver plans, which come with extra savings on deductibles and copays.
  • Ask a licensed agent to compare plans from several insurers. Marketplace plans cost the same with or without an agent.
Compare plans

See our Individual & Family plans

Major medical coverage for you and your household, with subsidies applied where you qualify.
Free tool

Health plan cost calculator

See what you would pay out of pocket for a medical bill under a plan's deductible and coinsurance.

Talk to a licensed agent

We compare plans, explain the tradeoffs and help you enroll. It costs you nothing.

Get help

Common questions

How much will health insurance go up in 2027?

KFF reports an average 13% increase in finalized benchmark Silver Marketplace premiums before tax credits. Your price depends on your area, plan, income and eligibility for savings.

Why did my premium go up if I get a tax credit?

Your credit is tied to the benchmark silver plan in your area. If your plan's price rose more than the benchmark, or your income or household changed, you can pay more even with a credit.

Are bronze plans HSA eligible in 2027?

Marketplace Bronze and catastrophic plans can be HSA eligible. You must also meet the individual HSA eligibility rules. The 2027 contribution limits are $4,500 for self-only coverage and $9,000 for family coverage, subject to the rules.

Can anyone buy a catastrophic plan in 2027?

No. Catastrophic plans are for people under 30 and people who qualify for a hardship or affordability exemption.

Sources

Rules change. Confirm dates and eligibility with your marketplace, your state Medicaid agency or Medicare before you enroll.

All articles