Enrollment in Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces dropped significantly, from 21.8 million in February 2025 to 19.2 million in February 2026, marking a 12% decline—the largest since the marketplaces began. This decrease is largely attributed to the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits that had reduced costs during the pandemic, resulting in average premiums doubling for many enrollees. As a consequence, fewer individuals retained their coverage, with only 83% paying their premiums, down from 91% the previous year. Experts anticipate further declines in enrollment and potential premium increases in 2027, raising concerns about the negative health impacts on those losing insurance, including reduced access to care and increased financial strain.
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Link to original article source: https://theconversation.com/2-6-million-americans-lost-health-insurance-in-2025-after-aca-subsidies-expired-leading-to-real-health-consequences-284644
