One in Four Americans Could Lose Health Insurance Without Tax Credit Extension
One in four Americans who currently have health insurance will “very likely go without” coverage next year if tax credits aren’t extended for those who buy individual coverage under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, according to a new KFF poll released December 4, 2025. In this photo, a woman looks at the HealthCare.gov insurance exchange internet site October 1, 2013 in Washington, DC. (KAREN BLEIER/AFP via Getty Images)
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A new poll conducted by KFF has revealed that one in four Americans enrolled in Obamacare could potentially lose their health insurance coverage next year if tax credits are not extended. The survey, which began in early November during the open enrollment period, highlights the financial strain that many individuals would face without the subsidies that make premiums more affordable.
Currently, 22 million Americans receive tax credits to help offset the cost of their health insurance premiums. If these subsidies are not extended, their annual payments could increase by an average of 114%, making coverage unaffordable for many. The survey also found that one in three enrollees would consider switching to lower-premium plans with higher deductibles, while one in four individuals would opt to go without insurance altogether.
If one in four Americans were to lose their coverage, the number of uninsured individuals in the country would rise by over 5 million. This potential increase in the uninsured population, coupled with rising out-of-pocket costs for those who choose to forgo insurance, could have significant political implications for Republicans and former President Trump.
Despite the looming deadline for the expiration of the enhanced tax credits, there is bipartisan legislation in Congress that aims to extend the subsidies for two more years. The majority of Obamacare enrollees, including a significant portion of Republicans, believe that Congress should take action to maintain the tax credits.
According to KFF President and CEO Drew Altman, the results of the poll underscore the challenges that marketplace enrollees would face without the extension of tax credits. Failure to address these issues could become a focal point in the upcoming midterm elections, as Americans continue to grapple with the high costs of healthcare.
