Rising Insurance Costs: A Growing Burden for ACA Enrollees

In recent months, individuals like Priscilla Brown have faced challenging decisions regarding healthcare management due to rising insurance costs. Brown, a truck dispatcher based in Orlando, Florida, has been forced to adjust her medication routine due to increased expenses, highlighting the significant financial burden associated with insurance and medication costs.

A survey by the health research organization KFF indicates that approximately 80% of Americans enrolled in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace experienced higher healthcare costs this year. About half reported substantial increases, coinciding with the expiration of enhanced tax credits on December 31 that previously mitigated premium costs for many beneficiaries.

For many, the financial impact is profound, affecting daily living expenses such as food and household necessities. Of the 1,117 Americans surveyed who maintained ACA marketplace coverage in 2025, about 55% indicated plans to reduce spending on essential needs to manage healthcare expenses. Legislative efforts to maintain COVID-era subsidies faced opposition, ultimately leaving approximately 23 million ACA enrollees to contend with higher costs.

Brown, who previously paid no premiums, now faces a monthly cost of $17 with a higher deductible, exacerbating her financial strain when refilling her medication. The survey reflects widespread anxiety over unexpected medical costs, with many expressing concern about affording emergency care, hospitalization, and routine medical services.

Despite these challenges, about 70% of last year's enrollees have retained their ACA health insurance, though a significant portion altered their plans or switched to employer-sponsored or alternative coverage outside the ACA. However, 10% of last year's enrollees are now uninsured, unable to manage rising premiums.

Eric LeVasseur, a software developer from Seal Beach, California, faced a similar predicament when his plan costs nearly tripled to $1,200 per month, leading him to discontinue his coverage. The survey also highlights differing perspectives on the reasons behind rising costs, with many attributing significant blame to health insurance companies and various political figures and entities.

The KFF poll, conducted between February 12 and March 2, 2026, involved a representative sample of U.S. adults with marketplace insurance, revealing ongoing financial challenges in the healthcare landscape. The survey results carry a margin of error of ±3.8 percentage points.