Pennsylvania ACA premiums to rise nearly 16% on average in 2027
HARRISBURG, Pa. —
Pennsylvanians who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace will see premiums increase by nearly 16% on average in 2027, according to rates approved by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department.
The average increase could be especially difficult for people who lost access to enhanced federal subsidies that expired at the beginning of 2026. The expiration significantly increased insurance costs for many middle- and higher-income consumers.
Health care providers are concerned that rising costs will cause some patients to delay routine appointments, blood pressure screenings and treatment for chronic conditions. Such delays can allow manageable health problems to become more serious and expensive.
“When we do see them, they’re sicker, and they probably need more care that they can’t afford,” said Terese Delaplane, president and CEO of Hamilton Health Center. “It really has a compounding effect on folks who are already in difficult positions.”
Delaplane said the health center has experienced a decline in patients covered through the Affordable Care Act and an increase in uninsured patients. The uninsured share of its patients reached as high as 30% earlier in 2026, she said.
“It has definitely had a negative impact from a financial standpoint,” Delaplane said. “We’re still seeing the volume of patients, but we’re just not getting paid for them.”
Officials with Pennie, Pennsylvania’s Affordable Care Act marketplace, are encouraging consumers to compare plans before selecting coverage. Federal premium tax credits remain available for some customers, including individuals earning no more than $63,840.
“There’s not as much available as there used to be, but there are still tax credits available,” Pennie executive director Devon Trolley said. “We actually think that more than 300,000 Pennsylvanians who are uninsured today could qualify for premium tax credits through Pennie.”
Trolley said four out of five Pennie customers receive subsidies. Pennie encourages uninsured residents to check whether they qualify for financial assistance and review their coverage options.
Individual increases will vary by insurer, plan, location, age and eligibility for tax credits.
Requested and approved rate increases
The following individual-market rate changes were reported by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department:
Ambetter Health of Pennsylvania Inc.: Requested 40.9%; approved 35.1%.Capital Advantage Assurance Company: Requested 18.3%; approved 14.8%.Geisinger Health Plan: Requested 10.5%; approved 8.6%.Geisinger Quality Options: Requested 13%; approved 10.7%.Health Partners Plans Inc.: Requested 15.9%; approved 18.3%. The department attributed the higher approved increase to less healthy membership confirmed through the federal risk-adjustment program.Highmark Benefits Group: Requested 21.4%; approved 19.7%.Highmark Inc.: Requested 16.2%; approved 14.5%.Keystone Health Plan Central: Requested 33.8%; approved 33.4%.Keystone Health Plan East: Requested 14.7%; approved 16%. The department cited worsening medical and prescription drug cost trends.Oscar Health Plan of Pennsylvania: Requested 15.4%; approved 1.4%.Partners Insurance Company Inc.: Requested 20.5%; approved 18.8%.QCC Insurance Company: Requested 19.9%; approved 21.3%. The department cited worsening medical and prescription drug cost trends.UPMC Health Network Inc.: Requested 12%; approved 9.7%.UPMC Health Plan Inc.: Requested 15.8%; approved 13.5%.