Fact Check: "In 16 states, bronze plan premiums for young adults could soar over 500%!"
What We Know
The claim that "bronze plan premiums for young adults could soar over 500% in 16 states" is not supported by the available data. According to the 2025 Qualified Health Plan Choice and Premiums report, while there are projected increases in premiums, they do not approach the extreme figure of 500%. Instead, the report indicates that the median proposed premium increase across various plans is approximately 7%, which is consistent with previous years' trends.
Moreover, the Maryland Insurance Administration has stated that young adults aged 18 to 37 who earn under 400% of the federal poverty level will still be eligible for state premium subsidies, which significantly mitigates the impact of any premium increases.
Analysis
The assertion of a 500% increase appears to stem from a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of the data regarding premium changes. The Kaiser Family Foundation has indicated that if enhanced subsidies are not renewed, average premium payments could rise by over 75% for ACA enrollees, but this is still far from the 500% figure claimed.
Additionally, the Health System Tracker reports a median proposed premium increase of about 7% across the board for 2025, which again contradicts the claim of a 500% increase.
The sources of this claim lack credibility as they do not provide verifiable data to back up such an extreme assertion. The reports from credible organizations like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Maryland Insurance Administration provide a more accurate picture of the expected premium changes.
Conclusion
Verdict: False. The claim that bronze plan premiums for young adults could soar over 500% in 16 states is not substantiated by credible evidence. The actual projected increases in premiums are significantly lower, with median increases around 7% and potential for higher costs being mitigated by available subsidies for eligible individuals.
Sources
- PDF Plan Year 2025 Qualified Health Plan Choice and Premiums in HealthCare
- Maryland Insurance Administration Approves 2025 Affordable
- How Much More Would People Pay in Premiums if the ACA's Enhanced Subsidies Expired? - KFF
- How much and why ACA Marketplace premiums are going up in 2025 - Health System Tracker
