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Individual Market Enrollment Declined by 18% Since June 2025

Individual Market Enrollment Fell 18%, Suggesting Continued ACA Marketplace Losses

Enrollment in the individual health insurance market fell by 18%—over 4.6 million people—from 25.2 million in June 2025 to 20.5 million in June 2026. Falling individual market enrollment suggests further decline in ACA Marketplace enrollment this year, since Marketplace enrollees represent the vast majority of individual market coverage.

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Did the Affordable Care Act Make Health Care More Affordable?

The expiration of the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits at the start of 2026, combined with rising insurer premiums, put a spotlight on health care affordability that extends beyond Marketplace enrollees. KFF’s Cynthia Cox examines the ACA’s record and the broader underlying question it raises: what’s a fair price for Americans people to pay for health care?

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  • I notice Marketplace plans are labeled “Bronze,” “Silver,” “Gold,” and “Platinum.” What does that mean?

    FAQs

    Plans in the Marketplace are separated into categories — Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum — based on the amount of cost sharing they require. Cost sharing refers to health plan deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. For most covered services, you will have to pay some of the cost, at least until you reach the annual out-of-pocket limit on cost sharing. Preventive health services, however, are covered without cost-sharing. In the Marketplace, Bronze plans have the highest…

  • How can I compare covered benefits in different Marketplace plans?

    FAQs

    Although all Marketplace health plans are required to cover the ten categories of essential health benefits, insurers in many states have flexibility to modify coverage for some of the specific services within each category, subject to approval by their Marketplace. All health plans must provide consumers with a Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) to make it easier to compare differences in health plan benefits and cost sharing. It is also available for each plan…

  • My child goes to college in another state, but we want him on our Marketplace family plan. Can we do that?

    FAQs

    Yes. Your child can join your Marketplace family plan, even if they live out of state. However, your child may need to return home to access care within your plan’s provider network. If they get health care services in another state, the provider may be outside your plan’s network, and you may have to pay higher cost sharing for non-emergency services. Your child may be eligible to buy coverage in the state where they attend…

  • Where can I get help with my Marketplace application?

    FAQs

    All Marketplaces are required to offer "Navigator" programs to help consumers review their plan choices, complete their application, or apply for financial assistance. Navigators can also assist consumers applying for Medicaid or CHIP. Additionally, Navigators can help consumers with post-enrollment support, such as appealing Marketplace decisions. Navigators are paid by the Marketplace, not by health plans, and they must complete Marketplace training and be free from conflicts of interest. You may also be able to…

  • What about premiums I already paid in 2021?

    FAQs

    The higher premium subsidies are in effect for the 2021 and 2022 plan years.  For premiums you already paid in 2021, before the new law passed, you can claim the increased tax credit when you file your federal income tax return.

  • What happens after the COBRA subsidies end in September?

    FAQs

    You can continue on COBRA unsubsidized until your 18 months of COBRA eligibility ends. In addition, you will have the option to enroll in marketplace coverage when the subsidy ends in September.  Loss of the COBRA subsidy will make you eligible for a special enrollment period (SEP) to sign up for marketplace coverage.  If you make your plan selection before the end of September, new marketplace coverage will take effect on October 1. 

  • I just got laid off. I am eligible for 6 months of COBRA subsidy, also eligible for Medicaid. Can I choose option that is best for me?

    FAQs

    Yes, eligibility for COBRA does not affect your eligibility for Medicaid or vice versa.  Medicaid also offers premium-free coverage (in some states Medicaid charges a nominal monthly premium for some adults) with no or nominal cost sharing.  As you consider options, you will want to compare provider networks, cost sharing, covered benefits, other plan features. If you elect COBRA, remember the subsidy ends no later than September 30, 2021.  If income remains at or below…