Health insurance companies on the Affordable Care Act marketplace are proposing the largest rate hikes since 2018, signaling the early impact of Trump administration policy changes.
What We Know:
ACA insurers are proposing an average rate increase of 8.5% for 2026, the highest jump since Trump’s first term, according to federal filings reviewed by Politico and MSN News.
Insurers cite new Trump-era regulatory shifts and rising health costs as key factors behind the spike, including the elimination of restrictions on “junk” short-term plans and reduced enforcement of essential health benefits.
Several states—such as Georgia, Texas, and Florida—are seeing proposed increases in double digits, which could disproportionately affect low-income and Black Americans who rely heavily on ACA coverage.
The rollback of federal oversight on plan quality and coverage minimums is prompting insurers to price in greater uncertainty and higher administrative costs.
Experts warn that the combination of rising premiums and less comprehensive coverage could lead to a decrease in enrollment and worsening healthcare outcomes.
The premium surge offers a glimpse into the healthcare landscape under Trump’s renewed presidency—and the disproportionate burden that could fall on underserved communities.