Pennie coverage drops amid rising health care premiums

Pennsylvania’s Affordable Care Act marketplace has seen health insurance cancellations skyrocket so far this year.

The big picture: Spiking insurance premiums, driven in part by recently expired federal subsidies, are pushing enrollment down, ashigher costs for energy, gas and food strain household budgets.

State of play: Roughly 45,000 Pennsylvanians have dropped coverage through Pennie between the close of open enrollment on Jan. 31 and April 9.

  • That’s a nearly 50% jump in cancellations, compared to the same time in 2025, per Pennie.
  • It comes after 85,000 people across the state nixed their coverage during the open enrollment period from November through January.

Zoom in: In Philadelphia proper, premiums rose an average of $137 per month (up 116%) over last year, according to Pennie.

  • In the ‘burbs, premiums increased $126-$144 per month on average.

Zoom out: This is not just a Pennsylvania problem.

  • About 1 in 10 Americans enrolled in an ACA plan last year now lack health coverage, per surveys by research nonprofit KFF.

Between the lines: Pennsylvania also saw a steep rise (30%) in people enrolling in bronze plans, which have lower monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs, this year.

  • More uninsured and underinsured Pennsylvanians could lead to higher uncompensated care costs for hospitals.

The intrigue: Pressure is mounting on Pennsylvania lawmakers to replace at least part of the lost subsidies…

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