Post-pandemic Affordable Care Act premium hikes on the horizon - Axios

Democrats' 11th-hour scramble to avoid steep Affordable Care Act premium increases for enrollees next year glosses over the reality that premiums are going up regardless for many people, thanks to the steady upward march of health care prices.
The catch: If the Democrats succeed, most ACA enrollees won't notice the premium hikes — which preliminary filings suggest will be around 10% — thanks to the law's subsidy structure, which passes the tab along to the federal government.
Driving the news: Most health insurers in the individual market are seeking median premium increases between 5% and 14% in 2023, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey of preliminary filings from 72 health plans across 13 states and the District of Columbia.
Go deeper: ACA coverage has been a focal point in Congress after Democrats' coronavirus relief package last year made premium assistance more generous and expanded eligibility to more middle-income Americans, but only temporarily.
KFF's survey found the political machinations won’t have as much of a bearing on health costs as increased demand from consumers who deferred care during the pandemic, and surging labor and supply costs.
The other side: Insurers say Congress holds the key to whether individual coverage remains affordable for nearly 20 million people.
Reality check: ACA marketplaces have been stable and profitable for insurers, even if individual market enrollees tend to be sicker than they were pre-ACA.
Our thought bubble: Washington has generally been reluctant to tackle rising health care costs, which would require taking on powerful industry interests.

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