Obamacare costs push Americans to change coverage and budgets

Enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies expired in December 2025, raising premiums for many enrollees and prompting some people to seek other coverage or cut household spending.

Enhanced tax credits that reduced Affordable Care Act premiums ended in December 2025. As a result, many people who relied on those subsidies faced much higher monthly insurance bills in January. Some individuals sought other coverage sources, including joining a spouse's employer plan, while others reduced household spending. Congress is debating legislation to extend the subsidies, but the outcome is uncertain. Key points: - Enhanced ACA tax credits expired in December 2025, which the article reports increased premiums for subsidized enrollees. - The article cites KFF reporting that average costs for about 22 million subsidized enrollees more than doubled in January. - Some people changed how they get coverage, including seeking employer plans; others have cut household expenses to afford insurance. - The House voted on Jan. 8 to extend the enhanced subsidies for three years, while the Senate has previously voted against them and negotiations are ongoing. Summary: Consumers are experiencing higher out-of-pocket insurance costs and are adjusting coverage or household budgets, and clinics and policymakers are preparing for the broader effects. Undetermined at this time.