According to the latest federal data released last week by HHS, enrollment in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplaces dropped by 13% nationally—resulting in 3 million peoplelosing their healthcare coverage since this year’s increase in premium prices. Returning enrollees were given a three-month grace period for nonpayment, but by April 15th, many had had their insurance retroactively terminated. In AHPA states, 1.3 million beneficiaries dropped coverage, withFlorida, North Carolina and Ohio seeing the highest number of enrollees dropping coverage. Ohio, North Carolina and Kansas lost the greatest percentage of overall covered beneficiaries.What do we know so far? After the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs), enrollment fell from 22.1 million people covered in 2025 to 19.2 million by 2026. While some critics worry the drop in coverage shows premiums are too expensive for many Americans, the White House asserts that some of these coverage losses are due to anti-fraud initiatives. What isn’t as clear?While we don’t yet know all the factors that could be influencing coverage drops, a Kaiser Family Foundation survey on ACA Marketplace enrollees found that most people who switched or dropped coverage did so because of cost, with 73% concerned about their ability to afford emergency care. The data also doesn't show whether people who dropped ACA healthcare coverage this year found coverage elsewhere. Average premium increases post EPTC-expiration are 114% higher for the average enrollee, with more premium hikes expected in the coming years, making cost a continued factor limiting healthcare coverage and access to care.
What do we know so far?
After the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs), enrollment fell from 22.1 million people covered in 2025 to 19.2 million by 2026. While some critics worry the drop in coverage shows premiums are too expensive for many Americans, the White House asserts that some of these coverage losses are due to anti-fraud initiatives.
What isn’t as clear?
While we don’t yet know all the factors that could be influencing coverage drops, a Kaiser Family Foundation survey on ACA Marketplace enrollees found that most people who switched or dropped coverage did so because of cost, with 73% concerned about their ability to afford emergency care. The data also doesn't show whether people who dropped ACA healthcare coverage this year found coverage elsewhere. Average premium increases post EPTC-expiration are 114% higher for the average enrollee, with more premium hikes expected in the coming years, making cost a continued factor limiting healthcare coverage and access to care.