AHIP report discusses what’s influencing 2023 individual health insurance premiums

Washington, D.C. – July 25, 2022 – The individual market is an essential source of comprehensive health coverage for nearly 20 million Americans. Of the 14.5 million individuals who sign up for coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) health insurance marketplaces, nearly all (89%) are eligible for financial assistance to lower their monthly premiums.

As states begin to reveal individual market premium rates for 2023, a new AHIP issue brief takes a look at the factors that are influencing next year’s premiums. Those factors include the potential expiration of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) premium subsidies, policy changes impacting the individual market risk pool, costs and utilization related to COVID-19, and increasing costs for medical services and prescription drugs.

“Affordable health coverage is critical to boosting access to high-quality care,” said Matt Eyles, AHIP President and CEO. “Health insurance providers are committed to improving the individual market and delivering lower costs, effective coverage, and better health outcomes for everyone.  We will continue to work with Congress, the Administration, and other stakeholders to deliver a strong, stable market that works for all Americans.”

The issue brief included several policy recommendations, including:

• Congress should act quickly to extend ARPA subsidies.
• Congressional action is needed to address rising health care costs; promote stable, competitive markets; and expand access to affordable, high-quality care.
• States and the Administration should continue their work to prepare for Medicaid redeterminations at the end of the public health emergency, including ensuring processes and resources are in place to help Americans complete redeterminations or make a smooth transition to new coverage.
• Any policy changes should be finalized well in advance of state and federal filing deadlines to provide health insurance providers sufficient time to develop products, networks, and rates in response to new policies.

Read the issue brief.