1A The Outlook For Affordable Care Act Subsidies
Dec 2, 2025
Julie Rovner, Chief Washington Correspondent for KFF Health News, shares insights on ACA subsidies and unresolved political battles. Linda Blumberg, a health economics expert, reveals how subsidy loss could leave nearly 5 million uninsured. Dr. Nuala Ricardo highlights the frontline impacts of coverage loss on patient care, including delayed treatments and increased ER crowding. Discussions explore the rising costs of premiums, the implications of Medicare work rules, and the urgent need for inclusive health policies. A compelling look at the future of health coverage!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Expanded Subsidies Drove Enrollment Surge
- Enhanced ACA subsidies begun in 2021 doubled marketplace enrollment from ~12M to ~24M.
- Their expiration would likely reverse that gain and raise premiums sharply for millions.
Callers Describe Sticker Shock
- A caller with chronic conditions said their premium would jump from under $500 to over $2,100 if subsidies end.
- Another caller said premiums already doubled or tripled, forcing them to seek jobs with employer coverage.
Premiums Rise When Healthy Enrollees Drop Out
- Higher premiums push healthier people out first, worsening the risk pool and pushing premiums higher.
- Insurers raise rates now anticipating subsidy expirations and poorer future pools.