ACA Insurance Rates Rise Over 20% in Virginia, North Carolina Amid Subsidy Expiry

Health insurance premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollees are set to rise sharply in 2026 due to the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits that were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Virginia, premiums are expected to increase by an average of about 20-23%, with some insurers like Anthem raising rates by over 20%, while Aetna plans to exit the individual market entirely. North Carolina faces even steeper hikes, with insurers requesting increases as high as 36%, which will compound the cost burden when federal subsidies expire in December 2025. The increase in premiums is attributed to rising healthcare service costs, increased utilization, and the loss of subsidies, which previously helped reduce costs for many enrollees. Democratic Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine criticized the decision by President Trump and congressional Republicans not to extend these subsidies, warning that higher costs could lead to fewer people getting coverage and worse health outcomes. They urge Congress to act to restore these credits to prevent the premium spikes and support affordable healthcare access.