You are both sort of right and wrong; based on a quick analysis, knowing this isn't perfect due to how plans have different characteristics, and states had different characteristics..

in the 2000s (pre ACA); * Employer plans averages 6-10% increase per year * Individual plans averages 10-15% increase per year

Rollout (2010-2017) * Employer plans averaged 3-5% increase per year * Individual plans averages 0-10% the first couple of years, but spiked hard to 25%+ from 2016-2018.. with lots of volatility (one stat I found shows 130% increase between 2013-2019)

Post (2018 to today) * Employer Plans averages 4-6% increase per year * Individual plans were generally stable but with huge volatility; also expansion of gov't subsidies absorbed much of the increases for those earning up to 400% of fed poverty level

The sharp discontinuity in insurance costs over a single year for many people when ACA went into effect isn't explained by your dismissal.