How Much and Why ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Going Up in 2027

ACA Marketplace clients could be facing another year of significant premium increases.

According to KFF, insurers are proposing a median 15% premium increase for 2027, following a 20% median finalized increase for 2026.

For agents, the biggest takeaway is simple:

Start preparing your ACA book before Open Enrollment begins.

Listen: EP24 – How Much and Why ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Going Up in 2027

Why Are ACA Premiums Rising?

Insurers are pointing to several factors, including:

• Higher hospital and physician costs
• Rising prescription drug expenses
• Specialty drug utilization
• Provider labor costs
• General healthcare inflation

These 2027 rates are still proposed, so agents should avoid quoting specific increases until rates are finalized.

Clients Already Felt the Impact in 2026

Marketplace affordability changed significantly in 2026 after enhanced premium tax credits expired.

According to KFF:

• Average enrollee premium payments increased 58%
• Average deductibles increased by more than $1,000
• Bronze plan enrollment increased
• Silver plan enrollment declined

That means many clients may already be paying more each month while also carrying greater out-of-pocket exposure.

What Agents Should Do Now

Do not wait until November to begin reviewing your ACA book.

Start identifying clients who:

• Experienced major premium increases
• Moved from Silver to Bronze coverage
• Have high deductibles
• Take expensive medications
• Use healthcare frequently
• Had income or household changes

Then begin scheduling October review appointments.

The goal is not to predict a client's 2027 premium before rates are finalized. The goal is to make sure clients know you are watching the market and will help them evaluate their options.

Turn Market Changes Into a Retention Opportunity

When clients see headlines about rising ACA premiums, many will start shopping.

Agents who communicate early have a better chance to keep those clients from shopping alone or responding to another agent's advertisement.

A proactive review gives you an opportunity to:

• Review premiums and subsidies
• Compare deductibles and out-of-pocket costs
• Confirm doctors and prescriptions
• Strengthen client retention
• Identify additional coverage needs

Your existing ACA book may be one of your biggest opportunities heading into the 2027 enrollment season.

Listen to Episode 24

In Episode 24 of The Insurance Producers Guild, we break down why ACA Marketplace premiums are rising, what changed for consumers in 2026, and how agents can prepare their clients before Open Enrollment.

Listen: EP24 – How Much and Why ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Going Up in 2027

Sources

KFF – How Much and Why ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Going Up in 2027

CMS – 2026 Marketplace Open Enrollment