Millions Lose ACA Coverage as Subsidies End

Millions of Americans have dropped their Affordable Care Act health insurance this year following the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, which caused premiums to rise sharply. New federal data shows enrollment fell to 19.2 million people in February, a decline of approximately 3 million, or 13 percent, from the 22.1 million enrolled in February 2025.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released the figures on Friday, June 26. The report represents the government's first official look at enrollment after a nonpayment grace period expired, capturing how many people selected a plan but then could not pay their first premium bill. Analysts note that about 4 million people dropped coverage or failed to pay between January and February alone.

The coverage loss is widely attributed to the end of enhanced premium tax credits that expired on Jan. 1. Those subsidies, initially passed during the pandemic, had made plans significantly more affordable. According to health research organization KFF, the average enrollee's annual premium payment roughly doubled after the credits lapsed, with some households facing triple-digit increases. Cynthia Cox, a vice president at...