It has been reported that the number of Obamacare (ACA) health insurance subscribers in Virginia has decreased by approximately 94,000 compared to last year. The main factor cited is the increased burden of insurance premiums this year following the expiration of the federal government’s enhanced premium subsidies at the end of last year.
The local newspaper, the Virginia Mercury, reported on the 2nd that data from the official Virginia Insurance Exchange showed the number of ACA Marketplace subscribers had dropped from approximately 389,000 last year to about 295,000 currently. This decline is analyzed as the result of a sustained decrease as changes to premiums and subsidies scheduled for 2026 are fully reflected, rather than a sudden drop in subscribers. In particular, the federal government’s enhanced premium tax credits, which expired on December 31 of last year, are identified as a major factor in raising the premium burden this year. Last year, the federal government discontinued subsidies that had been provided even to those living above 400% of the federal poverty line.
This additional subsidy has been in effect since 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak, and has served to lower the monthly premium burden for ACA subscribers. However, as support ended at the end of last year, the premium burden for some subscribers has increased significantly starting this year. Consequently, there are instances where some subscribers, unable to afford the premium increases, are discontinuing their ACA insurance. The Virginia state government has prepared separate support measures to alleviate the burden on residents resulting from the termination of federal subsidies.
The state legislature has allocated approximately $150 million to establish a support program to address the end of federal expanded subsidies, and residents meeting certain income criteria are expected to receive additional state support starting from the new enrollment period beginning November 1.
This support is intended to assist middle-income and lower-income residents whose insurance premiums have increased due to the end of federal subsidies. The Virginia Health Insurance Marketplace (Marketplace.Virginia.gov) provides a Cost Calculator that allows individuals and families to check available insurance plans and eligibility for financial assistance by entering their income and household size. Subscribers can check estimated premiums and the amount of financial assistance by selecting ‘Financial Savings’ → ‘2026 Updates’ → ‘Cost Calculator’ on the marketplace website and entering their zip code, date of birth, and household income. As insurance premium subsidies can vary depending on income and household size, it is important to re-evaluate the premiums and subsidy amounts that suit your situation this year, rather than simply renewing the insurance you signed up for last year.