Story perspectives

Hospital ER Uninsured Patients Jump 20% After ACA Subsidy End

7/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hospital executives said uninsured patients in ERs and clinics rose about 20 percent.
They reported unpaid bills, increased charity-care costs, and that patients are postponing elective surgeries, cutting revenue.
Executives said the rise stems from congressional Republicans ending ACA subsidies and Covid-era tax credits.
Government data show ACA enrollment dropped by three million (13 percent) since the year began, with subsidies ending for incomes above $62,600, increasing 2026 plan costs.

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Story summary

Hospital executives said uninsured patients in ERs and clinics rose about 20 percent.
They reported unpaid bills, increased charity-care costs, and that patients are postponing elective surgeries, cutting revenue.
Executives said the rise stems from congressional Republicans ending ACA subsidies and Covid-era tax credits.
Government data show ACA enrollment dropped by three million (13 percent) since the year began, with subsidies ending for incomes above $62,600, increasing 2026 plan costs.