Affordable Care Act

Three million fewer people had Affordable Care Act plans in February compared to last year. Much of the drop is likely due to the end of the pandemic-era enhanced subsidies.

Aetna and Cigna are among the insurance companies leaving the marketplace in some states.

About 25% of people are now underinsured, meaning they have coverage but can’t afford to use it.

KFF estimates a more than 20% decline, driven largely by the expiration of enhanced subsidies that made marketplace insurance affordable for millions.

In a report from the health policy nonprofit KFF, more than half of respondents also said they are cutting back on household expenses in order to afford their higher insurance premiums under the Affordable Care Act.

Options that might seem like alternatives, like fixed indemnities and short-term plans, don’t offer comprehensive medical coverage and aren’t subject to ACA patient protections.

Republican-led states that declined to expand Medicaid brace for uninsured spike as marketplace subsidies expire.

More state farm bureaus are offering cheap health insurance plans, but they don’t comply with Affordable Care Act requirements.

One of the big reasons that premiums are going up is that younger, healthier people may drop coverage if it’s too pricey.

Consumers would likely have the chance to redo plan selections if enhanced tax credits are extended, however unlikley that looks.