Overview
- Among returning marketplace enrollees, 80% report higher health costs for 2026 and 51% say they are a lot higher, with average premium payments more than doubling for those who kept the same plan.
- Coverage churn is rising as 69% re-enrolled, 28% switched plans, and 9% of last year’s enrollees report being uninsured, most citing cost as the reason.
- To keep coverage, 55% of re-enrolled consumers say they have cut or plan to cut spending on food or other basics, a share that rises to 62% for those with chronic conditions.
- Federal data show about 23 million people signed up for ACA plans, roughly 1.2 million fewer than in 2025, and experts warn enrollment could fall further as payment grace periods end.
- Those facing higher costs largely blame insurers and Republican policymakers, with 70% pointing to insurance companies and majorities citing congressional Republicans and President Trump, while about three-quarters say health costs will influence their midterm vote.