Obamacare Benchmark Premiums Up 37% in 2018 after Subsidy Cut-Off

In addition, the percentage of enrollees who could choose a plan costing less than $75 per month in premiums rose to 80% for 2018, compared with 71% this year, HHS said.

Health insurers such as UnitedHealth Group Inc., Aetna Inc. and Humana Inc. exited most of the states where they sold Obamacare plans earlier this year, citing issues including uncertainty due to repeal efforts and the subsidy payments. National players remaining in the market include Anthem Inc., Molina Healthcare and Cigna Inc.

As a result, 51% of U.S. counties have only one insurer selling Obamacare plans in 2018. Enrollment in the individual insurance markets begins on Nov. 1.