Enrollment has already dropped by nearly 21% as Americans struggle to afford increased monthly premiums after Republicans refused to extend the ACA tax credits

A new report reveals that more than one in five people who enrolled in health insurance through HealthCare.gov this year were dropped from coverage for failing to pay their first month’s premium. 

After Donald Trump and Republicans refused to extend the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits, healthcare premiums skyrocketed for over 20 million Americans. Now, many Americans can’t afford health insurance and are breaking the bank to pay their premiums or dropping coverage completely to be able to make ends meet. 

In response, DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer released the following statement: 

“Donald Trump and his Republicans created a massive healthcare crisis across the country, and now everyday Americans are being forced to drop their health insurance because they simply can’t afford it. After Trump and Republicans refused to extend the ACA tax credits, working families who were already struggling to get by in Trump’s economy saw their monthly premiums skyrocket — sometimes by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Americans are making impossible choices between paying for rent, groceries, or healthcare, all so Trump and Republicans can hand out massive tax cuts to their billionaire friends and donors.” 

Before letting the ACA tax credits expire, Trump and Republicans made historic cuts to healthcare by slashing nearly $1 TRILLION from Medicaid, which is projected to leave an additional 15 million people uninsured when combined with the failure to extend the ACA tax credits. 

Nearly two-thirds of adults are worried about affording healthcare costs. It’s no wonder voters are more likely to trust Democrats over Republicans on the issue of healthcare, and nine in ten voters say the issue will influence their decision on who to vote for in the 2026 midterm elections.