Photo: ReutersThe change affects a diverse cross-section of Americans who do not get their health insurance from an employer and do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare — a group that includes many self-employed workers, small business owners, farmers and ranchers. Those surging prices come alongside an overall increase in health costs in the US, which are further driving up out-of-pocket costs in many plans. Health analysts have predicted the expiration of the subsidies would drive many of the 24 million total Affordable Care Act enrollees — especially younger and healthier Americans — to forgo health insurance coverage altogether. Meanwhile, Americans whose premiums are skyrocketing say lawmakers do not understand what it is really like to struggle to get by as health costs ratchet up with no relief. Many say they want the subsidies restored alongside broader reforms to make healthcare more affordable for all Americans.

Source: Taipei Times January 03, 2026 17:12 UTC