2027 Rate Changes - Kentucky: +18.7% indy mkt, +10.7% sm. group

Before I begin, it's important to note that ACA exchange enrollment has dropped significantly in Kentucky since Congressional Republicans allowed the enhanced federal subsidies to expire at the end of last year.

Initial signups during Open Enrollment were down 8.6% vs. OEP 2025...but effectuated enrollment was down nealry 11% in January and over 14% as of February; on average nearly 11,000 Kentuckians lost ACA healthcare coverage in the first two months of 2026:

Here's what this looks like visually, with both 2025 and 2019 (the last pre-COVID year, which didn't include the enhanced subsidies) included for comparison:

Looking ahead to 2027, the preliminary rate filings for both the individual and small group markets are now available via the Kentucky Insurance Dept website:

• Anthem
• Molina
• WellCare

It looks like Molina Healthcare is barely participating at all this year, while the other two carriers (Anthem and WellCare) are seeking average unsubsidized premium increases of a whopping 18.7%:

Meanwhile, small group market carriers are asking for 10.7% hikes, and it looks like one of the four is bailing on the market entirely (there are currently 3 different UnitedHealthcare subsidiaries offering small group coverage: