A new poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that a significant percentage of individuals who currently receive their health insurance through Affordable Care Act health insurance exchanges would “very likely” drop coverage if enhanced premium subsidies are not extended into 2026.
An analysis from KFF released in late September found that ACA marketplace premiums would more than double without an expansion of enhanced tax credits. If that were to happen, 25% of enrollees said they would probably go without insurance. Another one-third said they would look for a lower-cost plan, which typically have higher deductibles and co-pays.
The poll also found that about 60% wouldn’t be able to shoulder an increase of $300 per year in the amount without a significant impact on household finances. Another 20% said they couldn’t afford a $1,000 per year increase.
If overall healthcare costs rise by $1,000 in 2026, two-thirds of enrollees said they would likely cut spending on daily household needs, while 54% would likely to try to find another job or work extra hours, and a third would take out a loan or take on credit card debt.
