US health insurance costs to rise by 114% for millions as subsidies expire
France 24••nation
Key Points:
- Enhanced tax credits that lowered health insurance costs for most Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollees expired at the start of 2026, leading to an average premium increase of 114% for over 20 million subsidized individuals.
- The subsidies, initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and extended by Democrats, helped many lower- and middle-income Americans afford coverage, but their expiration threatens to push younger and healthier enrollees out of the program.
- Congressional efforts to extend the subsidies have stalled, with Republicans refusing to vote until late in the year despite bipartisan calls, leaving millions facing higher costs amid rising overall healthcare expenses.
- Analysts predict that the loss of subsidies could cause nearly 4.8 million Americans to drop
