PENNSYLVANIA — More than 400,000 Pennsylvanians who get health insurance through Pennie will face another year of higher costs. State regulators have approved an average 15.97% increase in individual ACA premiums for 2027, marking the second year in a row that Pennie customers will face a double-digit increase.

The higher premiums come as families are already struggling with the cost of everyday life. At the same time, the additional federal financial help that had lowered ACA premiums was allowed to expire, leaving many people responsible for a larger share of their health insurance bills.

“I work in home care because I want to help people, but I also need to be able to take care of myself,” said Lynn of Allentown. “When my ACA tax credits disappeared, my health insurance costs nearly doubled. That’s money I have to take away from groceries, bills and the basic expenses of everyday life. I shouldn’t have to choose between being able to afford my health insurance and being able to afford the life that insurance is supposed to help me protect.”

“I worked hard my whole life as a chef and baker, and I volunteered as a firefighter because helping people was important to me,” said David of Bethlehem. “After my emergency room visits left me with medical debt, I depend on my ACA coverage to make sure I can get the care I need. When my premium doubled after the tax credits went away, it felt like the ground moved underneath me. I need my insurance, but I don’t know how I’m supposed to keep paying more and more for it.”

The loss of federal assistance is putting pressure on Pennsylvanians who buy their own coverage. State data shows that more Pennie customers are dropping coverage during the year, with affordability among the reasons cited. That can create additional problems for families who need care. People without insurance may delay doctors’ visits, skip medications or face large medical bills when they get sick.

“This is what an affordability crisis looks like for Pennsylvania families,” said Rachele Fortier, Executive Director of Affordable Pennsylvania. “When your health insurance bill goes up by hundreds of dollars, that money has to come from somewhere. Families are already paying more for groceries, utilities and other basics. No one should have to choose between keeping health coverage and paying for the rest of their bills.”

Read more: PennLive: Pa. ACA patients will see double-digit increase in premium costs for 2027

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Affordable Pennsylvania is a Pennsylvania organization focused on holding elected leaders accountable for the decisions they make and their impact on working families. We make sure Pennsylvanians have the facts about how federal policies and votes affect the cost of everyday life, including groceries, health care, child care, utilities and transportation.