ACA Premiums Are Expected to Climb Again in 2027. Here’s How to Reduce Your Monthly Bill

For many Americans, the Affordable Care Act has not turned out to be as affordable as hoped. Premiums in the program are projected to rise again in 2027, following a sharp increase the year before.

There are still several ways consumers may be able to lower their costs, including checking for subsidy eligibility, choosing a different level of coverage, or comparing plans instead of automatically renewing. For those who qualify, adding money to a health savings account may also help offset some expenses.

As the next open enrollment period approaches, shoppers will have a chance to review their choices before the new rates take effect. MoneyLion highlights a few strategies that may help keep monthly premiums under control.

Check Whether You Qualify for Subsidies

One of the most effective ways to reduce ACA premiums is to qualify for premium tax credits.

The program became less affordable after enhanced premium tax credits expired at the end of 2025. Even so, the original income-based subsidies are still available to eligible households.

These subsidies depend on factors such as income, household size and local insurance prices. Many people still qualify, but higher-income households may not receive any help.

To confirm subsidy eligibility, applicants can update their projected household income for 2027 when applying for coverage. According to HealthCare.gov, savings are based on expected income for the coming year rather than past earnings.

Compare Plans Instead of Accepting Automatic Renewal

If you had a marketplace health plan in 2026, you will generally be renewed into the same plan for 2027 unless you take action. Rather than accepting the default option, it may be worth shopping around to see whether another plan offers a better price.

An analysis from KFF found that marketplace insurers were proposing a median premium increase of 15% for 2027. That followed a median finalized increase of 20% for 2026, marking two straight years of double-digit hikes. In that environment, staying with the same plan may be convenient, but it may not be the cheapest choice.

Insurers can change premiums, provider networks and benefits from one year to the next, so a competitor may offer similar coverage at a lower cost even if your current plan has worked well.

Look Into a Bronze Plan, With Trade-Offs in Mind

HealthCare.gov says bronze plans usually come with lower monthly premiums than silver or gold plans. The downside is that they often carry higher deductibles, which means you may pay more out of pocket when you need care.

For people who are generally healthy and do not visit doctors often, that may be a reasonable option, especially if they have enough savings to handle an unexpected medical bill.

Still, comparison shopping matters because some cost-sharing reductions are only available with silver plans. In some cases, an eligible silver plan can lower deductibles and copays enough that the higher premium is worth it.

Check Whether an HSA Fits Your Situation

A health savings account, or HSA, can reduce overall health care spending through tax advantages. Contributions are tax-deductible, money grows tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are also tax-free. Unlike a flexible spending account, unused HSA funds roll over from year to year.

To contribute to an HSA, you must have an HSA-eligible health plan and generally cannot be enrolled in Medicare or another disqualifying health coverage, according to HealthCare.gov. The agency says all Marketplace bronze plans will be HSA-compatible in 2027, and some other plans may qualify as well.

An HSA can help lower the effective cost of certain medical expenses, but it generally cannot be used to pay regular health insurance premiums.

Don’t Miss the Open Enrollment Window

Consumers who want to change their ACA coverage for 2027 can begin shopping when the enrollment period opens.

For states that use the federal Marketplace, open enrollment runs from Nov. 1 through Dec. 15, 2026, according to HealthCare.gov’s enrollment calendar. State-based Marketplaces may follow different deadlines.

Whether you already have a Marketplace plan or are signing up for the first time, many changes are coming to coverage and costs. The open enrollment period provides time to compare options and choose the plan that best fits your health needs and budget.