Story perspectives

Six States Offer ACA Subsidies Amid Enrollment Decline

1/31/2026

Center

States Support ACA

Six states—California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Mexico—announced subsidies to help residents afford Affordable Care Act premiums (ACA) as Congress debates extending subsidies.
Enrollment declined from 24.2 million in 2025 to 22.8 million in 2026, as enrollees chose lower-coverage plans due to higher costs.
Experts warn that without federal support, more people may drop coverage as health care costs emerge as voter concern ahead of the midterm elections.

Left

Phipps Highlights Premium Surge

Over one million fewer people enrolled for 2026 coverage after enhanced Obamacare subsidies expired at the end of 2025.
Average premiums for 2026 coverage are expected to rise by 114%.
Rachel Phipps reports her premium rose from $201 to $2,864 per month.
Dawn Wheeler, who has metastatic cancer, fears financial ruin without insurance.
The House passed a three-year subsidy extension, but Senate opposition stalls progress.

1 of 2

States Support ACA

Six states—California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Mexico—announced subsidies to help residents afford Affordable Care Act premiums (ACA) as Congress debates extending subsidies.
Enrollment declined from 24.2 million in 2025 to 22.8 million in 2026, as enrollees chose lower-coverage plans due to higher costs.
Experts warn that without federal support, more people may drop coverage as health care costs emerge as voter concern ahead of the midterm elections.

1 / 2