KFF Survey: ACA Enrollees Struggle With Rising Premiums After Federal Subsidy Expiration
March 20, 2026
Survey: ACA Enrollees Face Growing Financial Pressure as Enhanced Subsidies Expire
A recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll of Affordable Care Act enrollees found that rising premiums — driven by the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies — are forcing difficult financial tradeoffs, delaying care, and pushing some enrollees to reduce or drop coverage in 2026.
Survey's Key Findings
- About 80% of returning enrollees report higher premiums or out-of-pocket expenses; roughly half say costs have increased significantly
- 55% plan to cut spending on other household expenses to cover health care costs
- 17% say they may be unable to continue paying their premiums through the end of the year
While most enrollees have maintained coverage, some have switched plans, sought alternative insurance, or dropped coverage altogether due to affordability concerns
Broader Implications
The survey highlights widespread anxiety about paying for medical care and suggests that rising health care costs could shape both financial decisions and political attitudes as the year progresses.
Source: Kaiser Family Foundation
Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital Launches Largest Expansion in Its History Investment Expands Inpatient and Procedural Capacity to Meet Rising Demand for Cardiovascular Care The Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital in Phoenix announced last week that it is undertaking the largest expansion in its history. The new construction will add inpatient and procedural capacity to serve more Arizonans in need of heart and vascular care. Meeting Arizona's Growing Demand for Heart Care Abrazo explained that the expansion is necessary to support Arizona's continued population growth, which is driving increased demand for cardiovascular services. The added capacity will allow the hospital to not only treat more patients requiring cardiac, vascular, and critical care, but also continue its participation in clinical research and innovation. Part of a Multi-Year Investment Strategy In its press release, Abrazo describes the expansion as the latest phase of ongoing, multi-year investments intended to advance care and meet the evolving healthcare needs of communities across the state. The hospital did not report an anticipated completion date for the project. Source: Abrazo Health
Hobbs Highlights Milestone in Ongoing Partnership With Undue Medical Debt Gov. Katie Hobbs announced this week that more than $1 billion in medical debt has been erased for nearly 671,000 Arizonans, marking a significant milestone in the state's ongoing partnership with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt. How the Program Works The initiative, first launched in 2024, purchases qualifying medical debt from hospitals and collection agencies for a fraction of its value before eliminating the debt entirely for eligible patients. Who Qualifies According to the governor's office, recipients do not need to apply for the program. It is available to Arizona residents who: Receive low- and moderate-income Have medical debt that represents a substantial share of their annual income A Flashpoint in the 2026 Election Season Healthcare affordability has been at the forefront of Arizona's political conversation as the 2026 election season intensifies. Supporters argue that relieving burdensome medical debt can improve: Families' financial stability Creditworthiness Willingness to seek needed healthcare Critics of similar programs have generally questioned whether debt forgiveness addresses the underlying drivers of rising healthcare costs or simply treats the financial consequences after care has been delivered. As debates continue over healthcare affordability and access, Arizona's medical debt relief initiative is expected to remain a prominent example in broader discussions about how states can help patients facing significant medical expenses.
