American health insurance has apparently decided to pursue a sequel to its 2026 blockbuster, with KFF reporting Friday that average Obamacare premiums will rise by 13 percent in 2027 - following a 26 percent hike from 2025 to 2026. Double-digit increases two years running: the kind of consistency usually reserved for subscription services and disappointment.

KFF's calculation was based on new data the Trump administration released earlier in the day, listing 2027 prices for the 30 states with federal health insurance marketplaces. The figures arrived conveniently just ahead of the 2027 enrollment period opening on Sunday - presumably so consumers could enjoy the full weekend to process their feelings before window shopping.

Around 19.2 million Americans are enrolled in Obamacare plans, per a federal government estimate from earlier this year. A KFF analysis from May found enrollment fell in 2026 after four consecutive years of record growth - a streak that has now been retired, presumably to spend more time with its family.

The Trump administration has implemented new barriers to enrolling in these programs as part of its crackdown on alleged widespread fraud. Earlier this year, Obamacare's enhanced premium tax subsidies expired after Republican lawmakers opposed a Democrat-led push to extend them. Nothing says "affordable care" quite like an expiration date.

For historical context, KFF notes that during the first Trump administration, Obamacare premium costs rose by an average of 20 percent in 2017 and 34 percent in 2018. The 2027 projected increase is at least in line with other health insurance programs, with federal and employer plans expected to increase by around 10 percent in the same timeframe. So if it's any comfort, everyone's getting squeezed together.

Health care costs have become a key issue in the midterm elections, as rising cost of living continues to poll highest among the concerns motivating American votes. A KFF survey published earlier this month found six in 10 voters said they were concerned about affording their health insurance and out-of-pocket medical bills. Respondents ranked health care costs on par with gas prices as the most important affordability issue this election cycle - a competition nobody wants to win.

The Trump administration has sought to address these concerns ahead of Election Day. The president announced the federal government would disburse one-time $500 checks to nearly 1 million Americans the administration said were overcharged for Obamacare. Earlier this month, the administration also began sending out $90 each to over 20 million seniors enrolled in Medicare Part B - totaling around $2 billion. One-time checks: the health care equivalent of thoughts and prayers, but with a dollar sign.

Democrats have vowed to make restoring Obamacare subsidies and health care tax credits a top issue if they regain control of Congress, which is either a bold policy pledge or a campaign slogan, depending on your level of optimism.