Affordable Care Act Deadline Looms as Health Insurance Premiums Surge for 2026
With federal subsidies expiring, experts warn millions may lose coverage as costs rise sharply ahead of the 2026 deadline
Millions of Americans face a critical deadline on Monday, as the enrollment period for health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) closes for those seeking coverage beginning January 1, 2026.
According to MarketWatch, the announcement comes amid an unprecedented surge in premiums, averaging around a 144% increase compared to last year. This sharp rise follows the expiration of federal subsidies that had helped reduce costs in previous years.
The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that some enrollees will see their premiums for the same plans they held in 2025 double. These increases are attributed to rising overall healthcare costs, as well as insurers’ concerns that healthy young people may opt out of coverage—leaving insurance pools increasingly dominated by older and sicker individuals.
Millions at Risk as Coverage Costs Rise and Enrollment Decisions Loom
According to data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), about 5.8 million people had enrolled for 2026 coverage as of November 29, compared with 5.4 million during the same period last year. Obamacare plans reached a record 24.3 million enrollees for 2025, during a year when prices remained relatively stable.
Despite two proposals introduced in the Senate last week—one by Republicans and one by Democrats—neither secured enough votes to addressthe rising cost crisis.
Individuals who need more time may still enroll until January 15, though their coverage will begin on February 1. Those who already have coverage and do not select a new plan will be automatically enrolled in a similar plan for 2026.
