Health Management Associates

📉 New analysis from the Wakely Consulting Group is a must read if your work touches ACA Marketplaces. For non-actuaries, their exec summary is really accessible. Enrollment declines in 2026 were widely expected given premiums rose and it became more expensive for consumers to purchase coverage. What Wakely's early analysis shows is how those expectations are playing out in practice. Spoiler alert: states with larger premium increases tend to show lower premium payment rates and larger coverage losses once paid enrollment, not just plan selection, is considered. In January 2026, about 86 percent of enrolled members paid their first premium, with notable variation across states. The authors make clear that this is a point‑in‑time snapshot, but it's important. Why? As 2026 progresses, ongoing analysis of paid premiums and enrollment will be critical to understanding market stability. These early signals have direct implications for how insurers plan for 2027, specifically, benefit design, plan offerings, risk mix, pricing strategy, and market participation. 📄 Download the report: https://lnkd.in/e9EyfCUu 📩 Sign up for updates about our upcoming webinars exploring the implications of this report and the forthcoming Marketplace CY 2027 final rule: https://lnkd.in/eWskrMC6 👏 Congrats and gratitude to Michelle Anderson Michael Cohen Chia Yi Chin Wakely Consulting Group Health Management Associates