KFF

Insurers in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) program propose a median 14% premium increase for 2027, citing rising healthcare costs, regulatory changes, and expired pandemic subsidies. Middle-class enrollees without subsidies will face significant cost increases, adding to a 20% median rise in 2026.

ObamaCare premiums could increase by 14% next year based on insurers' initial filings, according to KFF analysis. This would represent the second consecutive year of double-digit premium hikes, leading to higher costs for customers.

A new analysis by KFF reveals that Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) insurers are proposing a 14% median premium increase for 2027, following a 20% rise in 2026. Insurers attribute the hikes to rising healthcare costs, expired federal subsidies, and a sicker, smaller enrollee pool, disproportionately affecting middle-class individuals.

A new analysis by KFF reveals that Affordable Care Act insurers are proposing a 14% median premium increase for 2027, driven by rising healthcare costs, regulatory changes, and expired pandemic-era subsidies. The ACA marketplace has shrunk by over 2.5 million enrollees since the subsidies ended, contributing to higher costs for middle-class enrollees without subsidies.

Obamacare premiums are set to rise by a median of 14% in 2027, the second consecutive year of double-digit increases, driven by rising healthcare costs and expired subsidies. Higher out-of-pocket costs are causing some healthier enrollees to drop coverage, worsening the affordability crisis and shrinking the insurance market, which now has 19.2 million enrollees, down 3 million from the previous year.

Affordable Care Act insurers are proposing a median 14% premium increase for 2027 due to rising medical costs and policy changes, with enrollment declining by 3 million since February 2023. The expiration of enhanced subsidies under former President Trump and increased demand for costly treatments like GLP-1 weight loss drugs are cited as key factors.

Federal data shows a significant decline in Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollments across many states, with Ohio and Oklahoma losing nearly one-third of enrollees. The drop, attributed to expired enhanced subsidies and stricter enrollment rules, resulted in 2.6 million fewer Americans with ACA coverage in February 2023 compared to the prior year.

Federal data shows a significant decline in Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollments across many states, with Ohio and Oklahoma each losing over 32% of enrollees since January 2023, attributed to the expiration of enhanced subsidies and rising premiums. The data reveals 2.6 million fewer Americans with ACA plans in February 2023 compared to the same period the previous year.

A new Medicare program may allow coverage for certain weight loss medications, which are currently excluded under existing law. Juliette Cubanski of KFF discusses the potential impact of this change.

A Medicare pilot program expands access to GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Zepbound for some seniors, offering subsidies as high as $50 per month. The program, running through 2027, requires a BMI above 35 or specific weight-related conditions for eligibility, though 6 million Medicare Part D recipients who might otherwise qualify will remain excluded. Concerns persist about potential bone and muscle density loss from rapid weight loss, but medical professionals suggest exercise can mitigate risks.

The Trump administration's revised definition of 'medical frailty' for Medicaid work requirements in Minnesota imposes stricter criteria, requiring individuals to demonstrate both a medical condition and an inability to work. This change complicates state implementation and expands administrative challenges for Minnesota and other states adapting to federal Medicaid mandates under the One Big Beautiful Bill.

States are enacting laws to regulate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) like CVS to lower drug prices, requiring transparency and limiting their compensation. CVS and other PBMs are contesting these regulations through lawsuits and lobbying, arguing they help reduce costs by promoting generic drugs.

States are enacting laws to regulate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) like CVS to lower drug prices, with Tennessee banning PBMs from operating retail pharmacies by 2028. CVS and other PBMs are contesting these regulations through legal action and advertising campaigns, arguing they help reduce drug costs by promoting generic medications.

3 million fewer Americans had Affordable Care Act health insurance in February compared to the same period last year, linked to the expiration of federal subsidies that caused premium costs to surge. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services noted a 13% enrollment drop, while health analysts attributed the decline to unaffordable premiums after subsidy expiration.

Enrollment in Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance plans dropped by 3 million in February compared to the same period last year, likely due to expired federal subsidies causing premium surges. Analysts attribute the 13% decline to unaffordable costs rather than a federal crackdown on fraudulent enrollments, with further declines expected.

Enrollment in Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance plans dropped by 3 million in February 2025 compared to the same period last year, likely due to expired federal subsidies causing premium increases. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services noted a possible link to a fraud crackdown, but analysts attributed the decline to unaffordable costs. Surveys indicate many people lost coverage amid double or triple-digit premium hikes.

Federal data shows a 13% drop in Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance enrollment, from 22.1 million in 2025 to 19.2 million this year, linked to expired subsidies and rising premiums. Analysts attribute the decline to unaffordable costs after subsidy expiration, with some predicting further enrollment losses.

States are implementing laws to reduce drug prices by regulating pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) like CVS, which oversee prescription coverage for insurers. Tennessee's law, set to take effect in 2028, prohibits PBMs from operating retail pharmacies, prompting a lawsuit from CVS. Over 60% of U.S. adults express concern about affording prescriptions, with states passing measures to limit PBM compensation and increase transparency.

States are enacting laws to regulate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) like CVS to lower drug prices, with Tennessee banning PBMs from operating retail pharmacies by 2028. CVS has sued to avoid closing its pharmacies and spent millions opposing regulations, while a KFF poll highlights widespread public concern over medication affordability.

States are enacting laws to regulate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) like CVS to lower drug prices, with Tennessee banning PBMs from operating retail pharmacies by 2028. CVS and other PBMs are contesting these regulations through lawsuits and advertising campaigns, arguing they help reduce drug costs by promoting generic medications.

Tennessee lawmakers passed a bill banning pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning pharmacies, leading to lawsuits from CVS, Express Scripts, and the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association. The law, called the Fair Rx Act, was supported by lawmakers with ties to local pharmacies and the Tennessee Pharmacists Association. Similar legislation in Arkansas faced legal challenges and was blocked by a federal judge.

GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are causing significant body transformations in brides, prompting bridal retailers to adjust inventory, expedite orders, and issue fit guarantees. Shops now require waivers for dresses that may not yet fit due to ongoing weight loss, with David’s Bridal introducing a 'Fit Guarantee' to address size-related anxieties. Surveys indicate rising GLP-1 usage among couples planning weddings.

Ross and Rebecca Tobiassen canceled their Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage after premiums increased from $130 to $550 monthly. The couple, who own a small auto shop, cited rising costs and inadequate coverage for work-related injuries. ACA enrollment is declining as enhanced tax credits expired in 2025, with North Carolina experiencing a 22% drop in individual sign-ups.

A 2025 survey of 10,000 U.S. adults found 46% struggled to afford healthcare, with disparities among uninsured individuals (60%), adults with disabilities (69%), and racial minorities. The Urban Institute report highlights affordability challenges linked to medical debt, unmet healthcare needs, and regional disparities, particularly in the South and rural areas.

A 2025 survey of 10,000 U.S. adults found 46% struggled to afford healthcare, with uninsured adults (60%) and those with disabilities (69%) facing the highest challenges. Disparities were noted across race, region, and health conditions, with the South and rural areas reporting higher affordability issues.

A 2025 survey of 10,000 U.S. adults found 46% struggled to afford healthcare, with disparities based on insurance type, disability status, race, and health conditions. Uninsured adults (60%) and those with disabilities (69%) faced the highest affordability challenges, while regions like the South and rural areas reported higher issues compared to urban areas.

A 2025 survey of 10,000 U.S. adults found 46% struggled to afford healthcare, with uninsured adults (60%) and those with disabilities (69%) facing the highest challenges. Disparities were noted among racial groups, with Black and Hispanic adults more likely to report affordability issues than white and Asian adults. Health conditions like stroke and COPD correlated with higher rates of unmet healthcare needs due to costs.

A 2025 survey of 10,000 U.S. adults found 46% struggled to afford healthcare, with 60% of uninsured adults facing affordability issues. Disparities existed across insurance types, disabilities, race, and health conditions, with over 70% of those with strokes or COPD reporting challenges. High deductibles and premium increases in Marketplace plans were also highlighted.

Affordable Care Act enrollment in Illinois dropped by nearly 15% to 373,065 as of May 31, with over 92,000 people losing coverage, primarily due to nonpayment of premiums. The state attributes rising costs to federal policies under the Trump Administration and the expiration of pandemic-era tax credits, which had previously subsidized insurance through the exchange.

The Trump administration has warned over 500 hospitals to provide transparent pricing information or face annual fines up to $2 million. The effort, tied to a 2019 executive order, aims to address healthcare cost concerns by requiring hospitals to post clear pricing data for services like blood work and imaging tests.

The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals to provide pricing information or face fines up to $2 million annually, aiming to reduce healthcare costs by increasing transparency. This action aligns with Trump's efforts to address healthcare affordability ahead of the November midterms, following a 2019 executive order on price transparency.

Wisconsin advocates express concerns that new federal Medicaid work requirements, set to take effect in 2027, will create unnecessary barriers for eligibility, particularly for individuals who qualify for exemptions. The rules require Medicaid expansion recipients to work or engage in community service 80 hours monthly or enroll in part-time education, with exemptions for specific groups like people with disabilities.

Telehealth companies offering GLP-1 weight loss medications face scrutiny after patients report severe adverse effects and dosage errors. Karleigh McClain was hospitalized following an overdose linked to a semaglutide prescription from a telehealth provider, highlighting concerns about medication safety and inadequate oversight in online healthcare services.

The latest KFF Health News Minute discusses suicide prevention experts advocating for improved financial well-being to reduce suicide rates and the Trump administration's proposal to relax AI safeguards in healthcare to accelerate innovation.

Roughly 5 million people may lose coverage from the Affordable Care Act Marketplace after enhanced premium tax credits expired in 2025. The ACA Marketplace had four consecutive years of record growth in enrollment prior to this. This change is expected to impact enrollment significantly.

Enrollment in Healthcare.gov and other marketplaces has dropped by 5 million, according to a new analysis by KFF. This decline follows Congress's failure to reach a deal to maintain affordable coverage last year. The Affordable Care Act health coverage has seen a steep drop in enrollment.

Enrollment in Healthcare.gov and other marketplaces has dropped by 5 million, according to a new paper from KFF. This decline is attributed to Congress's failure to make a deal to keep coverage more affordable last year. The Affordable Care Act health coverage has seen a steep drop in enrollment.

Congressional Republicans' changes to the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid are resulting in coverage losses, with about 1.2 million fewer people signed up for ACA coverage compared to last year. The changes are expected to put more stress on the health system and increase concerns about health costs. Nebraska has become the first state to impose new work requirements on Medicaid recipients who enrolled under the ACA expansion.

The article explains key health insurance terms to help individuals navigate their plans, including deductibles, out-of-pocket limits, copays, and coinsurance. It also covers surprise bills and prior authorizations. The article is part of KFF Health News' in-depth journalism on health issues.

The Supreme Court is expected to make a decision on the abortion medication mifepristone, which could impact the regulatory authority of the Food and Drug Administration. The case involves a federal appeals court decision to stop mail orders of the medication. The outcome could affect abortion providers and patients.