Six months after marketplace subsidies ended in Early-Q1 2026, early indicators showed millions in the US lost coverage and faced much higher healthcare costs.
US marketplace enrollment was already lower in 2026, and an actuarial estimate said covered lives could fall further to ~16.5M before year-end.
Average monthly marketplace premiums climbed to $178 from $113 this year, or ~60%, with older adults and households above prior subsidy limits hit hardest.
Among Americans keeping marketplace coverage, many were unsure they could afford premiums all year, and >half cut or planned to cut basic household spending.
Looking ahead, more US enrollees may still lose coverage from unpaid premiums, while millions already shifted into cheaper plans with deductibles ~40% higher.
