Healthcare Costs Rise for Many Americans Amid ACA Changes

Thu Mar 19 2026 18:17:57 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Many Americans are struggling to balance rising healthcare costs with everyday expenses, as ACA's subsidies expire. Find out how individuals, like Priscilla Brown, are coping.

A recent survey reveals that approximately 80% of ACA enrollees report higher healthcare costs this year. The expiration of enhanced tax credits has forced many families to cut back on essentials like food and gas to afford medications. While some enrollees have switched to lower-tier plans or dropped coverage completely, a significant number are unhappy with escalating prices and hold insurance companies and legislators accountable for their financial burdens.

NEW YORK (AP) — Lately, Priscilla Brown has had to choose between properly managing her Type 2 diabetes and affording other necessities, like gas in her car. Some days, she takes half or a third of her prescribed insulin dose — just to stretch it out longer.

“Sometimes I don’t even take my medicine,” said Brown, a 48-year-old truck dispatcher in Orlando, Florida. “It’s so much with insurance, it’s crazy.”

About 8 in 10 Americans, like Brown, who re-enrolled in Affordable Care Act marketplace coverage, say their healthcare costs are higher this year. A significant reason for these increased expenses relates to the expiration of enhanced tax credits at the end of 2025, which had helped offset premiums for many enrollees.

Many enrollees, dealing with rising costs, report significant impacts on their daily lives. Approximately 55% are planning to cut spending on food and other basic household necessities to accommodate their medical expenses.

Democrats in Congress had attempted to extend the COVID-era subsidies but faced pushback. By January, bipartisan efforts for a compromise dissipated, leaving around 23 million ACA enrollees without relief and facing tougher financial choices.

Anxiety Over Medical Costs

For people like Brown, the situation is dire. Last year, she paid zero dollars toward her health insurance premiums; this year, her new plan costs $17 a month but comes with higher deductibles. She recently learned that her refill for essential medication would exceed $150, forcing her to limit fuel for her car to help finance her medicines.

Many ACA enrollees express fears about affording emergency care or hospitalizations, and nearly half worry about the costs of routine visits or prescriptions.

Switching Plans and Losing Coverage

The poll also found that 7 in 10 enrollees remained on ACA coverage; however, many switched to lower benefits to reduce costs. About 10% dropped their coverage entirely and are now uninsured due to surging premiums.

Blame Game

Many blamed health insurance companies and politicians for rising costs. A large portion of respondents pointed fingers at Republicans, citing recent premium hikes as a major concern.

With healthcare expenses creating pressure on everyday finances, many Americans hope for a revival in subsidies that could ease their burdens.