ACA enrollment drops 21%; subsidy expiry points to 75% average premium jump

ACA enrollment fell 21% across 30 states using the federal marketplace, compared with a 12% drop in the same period last year. As pandemic-era enhanced subsidies expire in December, 2026 premiums are expected to rise 75% on average. KFF estimates average out-of-pocket costs will jump 114%, from $888 to $1,904. Medicaid eligibility reviews are also tightening as work requirements arrive.