Average premiums for benchmark silver plans in U.S. Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces are 13% higher for 2027, KFF says, as paid-up enrollment falls and insurers announce market exits.
The benchmark tracks the second-lowest-cost silver option in a local market. Federal tax credits use its premium as a reference point, while a customer's bill depends on eligibility and plan choice. KFF built its average around a 40-year-old profile and weighted results across 50 states and the District of Columbia, so it does not describe every plan or household payment.
KFF's benchmark series rose 26% from 2025 to 2026 and climbed 42% from 2025 to 2027. The finalized benchmark average measures something different from the 15% median increase carriers proposed across plans.
Marketplace plan selections declined by 1.2 million during 2026 enrollment compared with 2025. Separately, coverage that remained active after customers paid premiums fell to 19.2 million in February 2026 from 21.8 million a year earlier, a 12% drop, KFF found. That count reflects people who kept paying for coverage, rather than everyone who initially selected a plan.
Insurer plans may also affect choices in some locations. KFF's Oct. 28 tracker listed 11 carriers with announced plans to withdraw from at least one state Marketplace for 2027, while seven planned to join a new state's market. KFF said the changes could narrow the available plans or provider networks in some areas, though announced moves may change.
Insurers cited rising care costs and the end of enhanced federal premium tax credits as reasons for rate requests, KFF said. The enhanced credits expired at the end of 2025. KFF says subsidies muted the effect of premium increases for many enrollees in prior years; most Marketplace customers receive them, but people with incomes above 400% of the federal poverty level no longer qualify and must pay the full premium. A KFF review of insurer filings found companies attributed about four percentage points of average 2026 premium growth to risk-pool changes and anticipated a similar effect in 2027. KFF warned that if rising costs lead healthier customers to leave, the remaining mix of enrollees could become more expensive and put further pressure on rates.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) said shoppers on HealthCare.gov who qualify for tax credits can access a plan for which federal support covers close to 90% of the lowest available premium. Enrollment for 2027 coverage through HealthCare.gov began Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 15, 2027.
