KFF Poll Reveals Affordability Crisis for ACA Enrollees as Enhanced Subsidies Expire Ahead of Midterms

Most ACA enrollees face higher costs after subsidies expire, with a KFF poll finding a majority of voters blame Republicans and Donald Trump for the hikes.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 19, 2026, 7:01 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from KFF Health News

The Financial Strain of Expired Federal Subsidies

The landscape of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has shifted dramatically following the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies originally implemented under the Biden administration. According to the latest KFF poll, 80% of returning enrollees report that their total healthcare costs—including premiums and deductibles—have increased this year, with 51% describing the hike as "a lot higher." This financial pressure is forcing more than half of returning enrollees to pare back other essential household expenses just to maintain their health coverage, while nearly 17% express doubt that they can sustain these payments throughout the entire year.

Political Accountability and the Independent Voter

As the 2026 midterm elections approach, the rising cost of healthcare has become a focal point of voter frustration, particularly among those who rely on the individual marketplace. The poll found that 54% of registered voters blame congressional Republicans for the price increases, while 53% place the blame on President Donald Trump. Notably, this sentiment is even stronger among independent voters—a critical demographic in swing districts—where 56% blame the GOP and 58% blame Trump. This indicates that the lapse in enhanced subsidies is being perceived by a majority of the electorate as a deliberate policy choice by Republican leadership.

Enrollment Churn and the Rise of the Uninsured

The impact of reduced affordability is clearly visible in national enrollment figures. Data released in late January showed approximately 23 million people enrolled in Obamacare plans, a decrease of 1.2 million compared to 2025. While 69% of last year's enrollees returned to the marketplace, many were forced to switch to less generous "bronze" or "catastrophic" plans to keep their monthly premiums manageable. Approximately 9% of previous customers have forgone insurance entirely, a trend particularly prevalent among young adults aged 18 to 29, who are twice as likely as older enrollees to be currently uninsured.