Pennie sees another year of rate hikes

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania's Insurance Department announced final health insurance premium increases for Pennie customers in 2027, according to a release.

Individual policies will see an average increase of 15.97%, while the small group average is 10.28%.

On average, Pennie premiums more than doubled over the last decade.

To put this in perspective: If you paid $4,000 for a low-cost Pennie plan in 2016 and your premium followed the statewide average, you would pay $9,390 in 2027 or a 135% increase.

Pennie enrollment is returning to normal levels after an unusual bump in 2025 propelled by temporary COVID-19-enhanced premium subsidies. Enrollment sits at 417,158 compared to 435,000 at the end of 2024.

Advance premium tax credit subsidies remain available for Pennsylvanian's making less than $63,840.

Elizabeth Stelle, vice president of policy for the Commonwealth Foundation, issued the following statement in response:

"Another year, another premium hike in Pennie. More than a decade after government told us the Affordable Care Act would make health insurance more affordable and accessible, we continue to see the opposite.

"Hiding the true cost of insurance with temporary subsidies is not a solution. The federal government is spending more every year on healthcare and yet affordability remains elusive.

"Thankfully, there are solutions that will lower costs, including allowing Pennsylvanians to renew cheaper short-term plans.

"State lawmakers could also allow individuals to purchase cheaper insurance across state lines or end restrictions on scope of practice that limit how and where healthcare providers can practice.

"True affordability doesn't come from more Pennsylvanians utilizing highly subsidized plans. It comes from policy changes to grow the supply of health care and create real competition — letting Pennsylvanians decide what kind of insurance they need."

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