Average ACA Benchmark Premium Drops for Fourth Year in a Row

Featured Infographic Average ACA Benchmark Premium Drops for Fourth Year in a Row Average premiums for the Affordable Care Act Marketplace benchmark silver plan fell 3.1% across the country in 2022, although the changes varied by location and type of plan, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation county-level analysis. Because the American Rescue Plan Act temporarily increased and expanded subsidies for low- and middle-income individuals and families, tax credits will cover the full premium for the lowest-cost silver plan for a 40-year-old individual earning $20,000 (155% of the federal poverty level) in two-thirds of counties nationwide. The ACA open enrollment period for HealthCare.gov and most state-based marketplaces began Nov. 1 and ends on Jan. 15. NOTES: ACA financial assistance only covers the “essential health benefits” portion of the premium. Enrollees must pay for any non-essential benefits. The study does not add in the non-essential portion of the premium because that is not possible in all states with available data. Therefore, premium payments after subsidies may be higher than the amount shown above. SOURCE: “How ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Changing by County in 2022,” Kaiser Family Foundation. Visit https://bit.ly/3du27IG. From Health Plan Weekly Subscribers may read the in-depth article online. Learn more about subscribing to AIS Health's publications.