A recent KFF follow-up survey shows the reality of the expiration of Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced tax credits is hitting consumers hard: 80% of ACA marketplace enrollees report higher healthcare costs, with 51% saying those costs are “a lot higher.” The financial strain is tangible, as 55% say they are cutting back on household spending to afford coverage and 17% are not confident they can pay premiums all year. Coverage is also shifting, with 69% remaining in marketplace plans but 28% switching plans and 9% now uninsured, largely driven by cost pressures rather than changes in health needs. These data point to a market under stress, in which rising costs are reshaping both consumer behavior and coverage stability.
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