Obamacare Costs Soar, Leaving Millions Struggling to Afford Health Insurance

Expiring COVID-era subsidies force tough choices as average insurance costs more than double for 22 million Americans

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:59am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph revealing the intricate internal structure of a medical stethoscope against a dark background, symbolizing the importance of healthcare access as rising costs impact millions.An X-ray view of a medical stethoscope highlights the fragility of healthcare access as rising insurance costs leave millions struggling to afford coverage.Altoona Today

The rising costs of Obamacare are forcing Americans to make difficult choices, with the impact being far-reaching. A healthcare crisis is unfolding, as the expiration of COVID-era subsidies has caused insurance costs to skyrocket, leaving millions struggling to afford coverage. Small business owners, self-employed individuals, and low-income families are among those hit hardest, forced to cut back on expenses or even consider drastic measures like getting married solely for access to a partner's corporate health plan.

Why it matters

The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was intended to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for Americans. However, the expiration of temporary subsidies has led to a sharp increase in insurance premiums, putting coverage out of reach for many. This crisis could have far-reaching consequences, including deterring entrepreneurship, overwhelming community health centers, and leaving millions without access to essential medical care.

The details

According to the KFF, the average cost for 22 million Americans with subsidized ACA insurance more than doubled in January 2026. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office predicts that 3.8 million Americans will lose their health insurance by 2035 due to these expiring subsidies. Congress is debating a solution, with the House voting to extend the enhanced subsidies, but the Senate remains divided. If the House bill passes, it could add $80.6 billion to the federal budget deficit by 2035, raising questions about the sustainability of this approach.

  • In January 2026, the average cost for 22 million Americans with subsidized ACA insurance more than doubled.
  • By 2035, the Congressional Budget Office predicts that 3.8 million Americans will lose their health insurance due to the expiring subsidies.

The players

Mila Clarke

A 36-year-old small business owner from Houston who chose to marry her partner to gain access to his corporate health insurance plan after her insurance costs skyrocketed.

Kelly Berry

A self-employed resident of Altoona, Wisconsin, who has had to cut back on expenses and consider skipping a vacation due to the financial impact of rising insurance costs.

Farihah Khandaker

A Chicago resident who is still searching for an affordable health insurance plan, with the lowest-tier option she found charging a monthly premium of $250 with 50% coinsurance.

Dr. Kyu Rhee

The president and CEO of the community health centers group, who warns that about 1,800 centers could close, leaving many without access to essential healthcare.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I was spending over $1,000 a month just to stay alive.”

— Mila Clarke, Small business owner

“It's a huge financial hit.”

— Kelly Berry, Self-employed resident

“I'm looking for a unicorn.”

— Farihah Khandaker, Chicago resident

“We're at a very tenuous situation already. The patient impact is extraordinary.”

— Dr. Kyu Rhee, President and CEO of community health centers group

What’s next

Congress is debating a solution to extend the enhanced subsidies, but the Senate remains divided. If the House bill passes, it could add $80.6 billion to the federal budget deficit by 2035, raising questions about the sustainability of this approach.

The takeaway

The expiration of Obamacare subsidies has created a healthcare crisis, forcing millions of Americans to make difficult choices and potentially deterring entrepreneurship, overwhelming community health centers, and leaving many without access to essential medical care. While Congress debates a solution, the long-term sustainability and impact of any proposed measures remain uncertain.