Story perspectives

2026: U.S. Health Care Divide Looms Amid Policy Changes

12/26/2025

Center

Health Care Divide

In 2026, contrasting policies from recent administrations are expected to create a U.S. health care divide.
The Inflation Reduction Act lets Medicare negotiate drug prices, potentially reducing out-of-pocket costs for seniors.
The expiration of ACA tax credits and Medicaid funding cuts may raise costs for others.
Low-income adults in non-expansion states stay in a coverage gap.
Future congressional actions could impact ACA subsidies and enrollment opportunities.

Left

U.S. Affordability Crisis

The U.S. faces an affordability crisis as health care costs push many into bankruptcy, driven by employer-based insurance and hospital consolidation.
The expiration of health insurance subsidies will raise premiums for 22 million Americans.
Some propose temporary relief, such as rent freezes and drug price caps.
Long-term solutions require addressing systemic issues in housing, health care, and child care.

1 of 2

Health Care Divide

In 2026, contrasting policies from recent administrations are expected to create a U.S. health care divide.
The Inflation Reduction Act lets Medicare negotiate drug prices, potentially reducing out-of-pocket costs for seniors.
The expiration of ACA tax credits and Medicaid funding cuts may raise costs for others.
Low-income adults in non-expansion states stay in a coverage gap.
Future congressional actions could impact ACA subsidies and enrollment opportunities.

1 / 2