ACA Premiums Expected to Rise 15% Nationwide as Subsidies Expire

Americans insured through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are facing the largest premium increases in years, with insurers proposing an average 15% hike for 2026 driven by rising healthcare costs and the expiration of pandemic-era subsidies. President Trump signed a major spending bill that does not extend these subsidies beyond 2025, leading to projections that around 4 to 5 million people could lose coverage due to unaffordability. The legislation also introduces more paperwork and shortens the ACA enrollment window, complicating renewal processes. Additionally, there is concern that proposed pharmaceutical tariffs could further increase healthcare expenses. Experts warn these changes could erase years of ACA coverage gains, potentially pushing over 17 million people off Medicaid and ACA marketplace plans by 2034. Overall, the policy shifts reflect a rollback of healthcare access expansion initiated by the ACA, with significant impacts on affordability and insurance coverage nationwide.