ACA Health Insurance Premiums Up 26% in 2026: 4.8 Million Americans Expected to Lose Coverage

# ACA Health Insurance Premiums Up 26% in 2026: 4.8 Million Americans Expected to Lose Coverage

> **Quick answer:** ACA Marketplace premiums rose an estimated 26% on average in 2026 after enhanced premium tax credits expired on December 31, 2025. For the 22 million Americans who relied on those enhanced subsidies, out-of-pocket premium costs are rising by an average of 114% — from $888 to $1,904 per year. An estimated 4.8 million people are projected to drop coverage entirely. If you are one of them, options include downgrading to a bronze plan, checking Medicaid eligibility, or using a federally qualified health center.

*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor or licensed insurance broker for personal coverage decisions. For health-related concerns, consult a licensed healthcare provider.*

Your ACA health insurance just got dramatically more expensive. On December 31, 2025, the enhanced premium tax credits that had kept Marketplace premiums affordable for millions of Americans since 2021 quietly expired — and Congress did not act to renew them. If you are among the 24 million people enrolled in ACA Marketplace coverage, here is what happened, who is most affected, and what you can still do about it.

## Why ACA Health Insurance Premiums Jumped 26% in 2026

ACA health insurance premiums rose an average of 26% in 2026 according to KFF, a leading health policy research organization. But that headline number understates the real hit for most enrollees.