1.4 million fewer people enrolled in ACA plans as premiums spike, tax credits expire
ABC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Approximately 1.4 million fewer people have signed up for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans this year compared to the same period last year, with 22.8 million total enrollees as of January 12 versus 24.2 million last year.
- The decline in enrollment is largely attributed to the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits (subsidies) that had lowered monthly premiums during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Political disagreements during the recent government shutdown prevented the extension of these subsidies, despite bipartisan efforts and a House-passed bill aiming to extend them for three more years.
- Without an extension of subsidies, the Congressional Budget Office projects that benchmark premiums could rise by 4.3% in 2026
