Overview
- Preliminary CMS data show marketplace enrollment down from last year’s 24.3 million to about 22.8 million selections.
- KFF estimated average premiums would roughly double this year to about $1,904 after the enhanced tax credits ended in 2025, with insurers also citing drug prices, inflation and workforce pressures.
- Officials stress the figures are early snapshots, some states still have open enrollment, and additional drop-offs are possible once invoices go out.
- Many shoppers are shifting to cheaper, less generous plans; California reports 31% fewer new enrollees and more than a third of new sign-ups choosing bronze coverage, up from less than a quarter a year ago.
- State impacts vary: New York reports about 3% fewer private sign-ups as its Essential Plan grows 6% and premiums are up roughly 40%, while Texas reports about 4.1 million enrollees, up from 4.0 million last year.