About 3 million Americans have left the Affordable Care Act marketplace after premiums and deductibles rose sharply at the beginning of 2026, following the expiration of enhanced COVID-era premium tax credits. The marketplace covered 19.2 million people in February, while insurers have proposed median premium increases of about 15% for 2027, according to KFF. Consumers interviewed by Reuters described switching to short-term plans, joining health-sharing programs or going uninsured, with some postponing preventive care because of costs. Hospital operators, including Universal Health Services, have reported higher expenses associated with treating uninsured patients. ACA enrollment runs from November 1 through January 15.