Virginia Sees Major ACA Enrollment Drop After Subsidy Expiration

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Virginia has seen a significant drop in Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment, with around 33,000 people dropping their coverage since federal subsidies expired. State officials warn that an estimated 100,000 Virginians who relied on the subsidies are expected to be affected, either by paying higher premiums, switching to lower-tier plans, or forgoing insurance altogether.

Why it matters

The expiration of ACA subsidies is putting a financial strain on many Virginians, forcing them to make difficult choices between maintaining their health coverage and affording other essential expenses like rent, food, and transportation. This could have significant public health implications if more people become uninsured.

The details

According to Keven Patchett, the Director of the Virginia State Health Exchange, the state has seen about a 33,000 drop in ACA enrollment since the federal subsidies expired. Patchett called this "the biggest drop-off in the first quarter that we've seen." Overall, an estimated 100,000 Virginians who have utilized the subsidies are expected to be affected by the premium increases.

• The most recent ACA open enrollment period saw 1.2 million fewer Americans sign up nationwide.
• Keven Patchett reported the 33,000 enrollment drop in Virginia at a forum with the State Corporation Commission on April 3, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

State officials say the total ACA drop-offs in Virginia remain a moving target, but more clarity could emerge in the coming days or weeks as the full impact of the subsidy expiration becomes clearer.