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Obamacare Enrollment Declines as Premium Subsidies Expire, Impacting Millions

KVIA•Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 3:29 AM•CNN Newsource

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Recent federal data indicates a significant drop in Affordable Care Act enrollment for 2026, with over one million fewer individuals signing up compared to the previous year. The decline is attributed to the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies, which has led to a sharp increase in monthly premiums, expected to rise by an average of 114%. Experts warn that many enrollees may not realize the extent of their premium increases until they receive their first bills, potentially leading to further disenrollment. This marks the first decline in enrollment since 2020, with new sign-ups down by 14% and returning customers decreasing by 3%. The situation is particularly concerning for low-income Americans who previously benefited from low-cost coverage.

Key Details: • Open enrollment for 2026 ended on January 15, 2026. • Average premium payments are projected to rise by 114% this year. • 2 million fewer people are expected to have coverage due to subsidy expiration. • North Carolina saw a 22% drop in sign-ups, while New Mexico experienced a 14% increase.

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New MexicoColoradoCenters for Medicare and Medicaid ServicesNorth CarolinaOhioDistrict of ColumbiaLeslie DachCynthia CoxProtect Our CareKFFConnect for Health Colorado

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