Reduced ACA enrollment likely means premiums will rise, health experts say

Affordable Care Act plan enrollment continues to decline as some customers struggle to pay their premiums, leading health experts to predict insurers will raise rates again next year. Younger or healthier people often stop coverage when premiums rise. Sign-ups fell in January by about 1.2 million from 2025’s record enrollment of 24.2 million. In 2026, premiums increased by an average of 26%, while subsidies helping people to purchase coverage declined or ended. A KFF analysis found the average ACA plan deductible experienced the largest increase in history, rising from $2,759 in 2025 to $3,786 in 2026 as enhanced premium tax credits expired. (Kaiser Family Foundation article, 5/19/26)