Health insurers are seeking substantial premium increases for 2026 Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans, commonly known as Obamacare. According to a new analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), the median proposed premium hike is 15%, marking the largest increase since 2018 when policy uncertainty also drove premium growth. Most of the 105 insurers across 19 states and Washington, D.C. that have submitted rate filings are requesting increases between 10% and 20%, with more than 25% proposing hikes of 20% or more. Insurers such as Centene and Elevance are among those seeking sharp premium rises. Factors contributing to these requested increases include the impending expiration of premium tax credits and potential tariffs on medical goods. Separately, CalPERS health premiums are expected to rise by an average of 8.21% next year.