Are ACA premiums set to increase for all South Dakotans by 235%?

While Affordable Care Act premiums are going to rise in 2026, a post on X from a United States senator saying costs will increase 235% in South Dakota if tax credits expire is misleading.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, posted that premiums in red states would increase by as much as three times. 

The proposed rate increases for South Dakota insurers: Avera (8.9%), Sanford Health (5.2%) and Wellmark of South Dakota (1.2%). Nationally, the median proposed increase is 18%.

Prices could increase substantially more if the tax credits are not renewed in 2026. Those credits provided additional assistance to enrollees and expanded eligible income levels.

KFF estimates that a family of four making $90,000 will have premiums increase by 56%. Lower-income levels will see the biggest increase, from $0 to $1,607 for a family earning $45,000. Nationally, premiums would increase an average of 114%.