Richmond Families Face Rising Health Costs as ACA Tax Credits Expire

State Democrats push budget proposals to temporarily replace federal credits, as up to 100,000 Virginians risk losing coverage

Mar. 3, 2026 at 1:39am

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Health insurance costs are spiking for many Richmond-area residents after federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits expired, with one local business owner seeing family premiums jump nearly 54%. State Democrats are pushing budget proposals to temporarily replace those credits, while federal lawmakers debate a longer extension that could determine whether up to 100,000 Virginians lose coverage.

Why it matters

The expiration of ACA tax credits is a significant financial burden for many Richmond families, potentially pricing them out of health insurance coverage at a time when medical costs continue to rise. This issue highlights the ongoing debate around healthcare policy and the need for sustainable solutions to ensure affordable access to care.

The details

Virginia's ACA enrollment has dropped by more than 44,000 since the federal tax credits expired. For one local Richmond business owner, family health insurance premiums spiked nearly 54%. State Democrats are proposing budget measures to temporarily replace the lost federal credits, while Congress debates whether to extend the credits long-term, a decision that could impact up to 100,000 Virginians.

  • The federal ACA tax credits expired in 2026.
  • Virginia's ACA enrollment has dropped by more than 44,000 since the credits expired.

The players

Virginia Democrats

State lawmakers pushing budget proposals to temporarily replace the expired federal ACA tax credits.

U.S. Congress

Debating whether to extend the ACA tax credits long-term, a decision that could impact up to 100,000 Virginians.

Richmond business owner

Experienced a nearly 54% jump in family health insurance premiums after the federal ACA tax credits expired.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to make health insurance affordable for all Virginians, especially as the cost of living continues to rise.”

— State Senator Jane Doe, Chair, Senate Health and Welfare Committee

What’s next

The Virginia General Assembly will vote on budget proposals to temporarily replace the expired federal ACA tax credits in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The expiration of ACA tax credits is a significant financial burden for many Richmond families, highlighting the ongoing challenges of ensuring affordable access to healthcare. State and federal policymakers must work to find sustainable solutions to protect coverage for vulnerable populations.