Health subsidies expire, launching millions of Americans into 2026 with steep insurance hikes
ABC7 Chicago••general
Key Points:
- Enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits that lowered health insurance costs expired at the start of 2026, leading to significant premium increases for millions of Americans who do not receive employer-based coverage or qualify for Medicaid or Medicare.
- Premiums for subsidized ACA enrollees are expected to rise by an average of 114%, with some individuals facing monthly premium hikes from under $100 to several hundred dollars, causing financial strain for many families.
- The expiration may prompt an estimated 4.8 million Americans, particularly younger and healthier individuals, to drop coverage, potentially increasing costs for remaining enrollees and impacting overall program stability.
- Political efforts to extend the subsidies before expiration failed amid partisan disagreements, though a House vote on a possible
