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Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025

Have Obamacare premiums increased three times the rate of inflation?

Tom Kertscher / Wisconsin Watch, Wisconsin Watch
yes

Affordable Care Act premiums, expected to skyrocket in 2026 unless enhanced subsidies are extended, have increased about 118% since coverage for individuals began in 2014.

That’s three times higher than inflation (39%).

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., made the three-times claim Oct. 21, as the federal government shutdown continued. 

To end the shutdown, Democrats want to extend the enhanced Obamacare subsidies, which made more people eligible. They expire Dec. 31. 

Without enhanced subsidies, Wisconsinites could see 2026 premium increases of up to 800%, according to the state. 

The average monthly premium for a benchmark Obamacare plan was $273 in 2014; it is expected to be at least $596 in 2026.

Premiums, initially so low that insurers lost money, jumped in 2017, stayed stable since 2018 but are expected to rise more than 18% in 2026, KFF Obamacare program director Cynthia Cox said.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

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