Premiums in California’s health insurance exchange, Covered California, will rise by an average of 8.7 percent next year, marking a return to more modest increases despite ongoing threats to the Affordable Care Act.

The average increase in California is smaller than the double-digit hikes expected around the nation, mainly because of a healthier mix of enrollees and more competition in its marketplace. Still, health insurance prices keep growing faster than wages and general inflation as a result of rising medical costs overall, squeezing many middle-class families who are struggling to pay their household bills.

Californians who receive a subsidy to help purchase coverage will pay an average of 6 percent more if they renew in the same plan next year, which translates to an estimated monthly premium of $123 after tax credits. Subsidized consumers account for 88 percent of Covered California’s enrollment.

For more on Covered California premiums, read Chad Terhune and Pauline Bartolone’s coverage.