Federal data shows drop in Obamacare enrollment after subsidies expire

(ABC36 NEWS NOW) – New federal data shows fewer Americans signed up for Affordable Care Act coverage after federal subsidies expired this year.

On Wednesday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reported that more than one million fewer people enrolled in health insurance through the Affordable Care Act compared to last year.

Last year’s enrollment topped more than 24 million people.

Experts say enrollment numbers are likely to decline further in the coming months. In earlier estimates, the Congressional Budget Office projected that about two million people could ultimately drop coverage.

Many enrollees are now facing higher monthly premiums and deductibles after Congress did not extend the federal subsidies that had helped lower costs.

Health policy analysts say the changes highlight ongoing concerns about affordability and access to health coverage nationwide.