For millions of Americans—especially retirees not yet eligible for Medicare—2026 could bring a painful surprise. Key subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), expanded during the pandemic and extended through 2025, are set to expire. If Congress doesn’t act, health insurance premiums could double for many households. The impact would be felt most by older adults on fixed incomes who rely on marketplace plans to bridge the gap before Medicare eligibility. What was once affordable coverage could become a budget-breaking expense.
