ACA Open Enrollment Begins Amid Sharp Premium Increases Nationwide

The 2025 open enrollment period for Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance has begun amid significant premium increases caused by the expiration of COVID-era federal subsidies. These subsidy expirations have resulted in premium hikes exceeding 100% in some states, such as Colorado and New Jersey, leaving millions at risk of becoming uninsured due to unaffordability. The subsidies, initially introduced during the pandemic and extended through 2025 by prior legislation, helped many low-income families afford coverage, and without them, experts project millions will drop coverage in coming years. The current federal government shutdown is partly tied to disagreements over extending these subsidies, with Democrats pushing for their renewal and Republicans opposing on the grounds that they encourage reliance on government aid. Families reliant on ACA plans report shock at rising costs, with some premiums quadrupling, forcing difficult financial decisions and potentially increasing uncompensated hospital care, which could drive overall healthcare costs higher. Consumers are urged to carefully evaluate their health coverage options during this period, although retroactive subsidy application remains uncertain if extensions occur late.