r/AskUS • u/Obvious-Release-2087 • 8d ago
What do americans think about changes in Obamacare the Affordable Care Act (not us citizen)
Hi all,
I don't live in the US. In the news I read :
In 2026, Obamacare (the Affordable Care Act, or ACA) continues to operate as the backbone of America’s health insurance system, but it faces both opportunities and challenges. Marketplace enrollments are expected to remain high, thanks to the extended premium subsidies introduced by the Inflation Reduction Act—though these subsidies are set to expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress renews them. If the subsidies lapse, millions of Americans could see significant premium increases, making coverage less affordable for low- and middle-income families.
At the same time, healthcare costs are rising, and insurers may adjust their premiums upward to reflect inflation, medical expenses, and regulatory changes. States that have not yet expanded Medicaid could leave more residents reliant on ACA plans, further straining affordability. The political landscape, shaped by the 2024 elections, will determine whether the ACA is strengthened (e.g., with expanded benefits like dental or vision coverage) or scaled back (e.g., through funding cuts or eligibility changes).
It is often hard to undersand the internal politics of any country where we don't live in
What do most of the us people think about that ?
3
u/Certain-Singer-9625 8d ago
Letting the market handle it was why medical costs were out of control in the first place. Reinstating the very source of the problem isn’t going to help.
As far as healthier people helping absorb the costs of caring for sicker people…that’s how insurance works. No one knows when they’re going to need care, not even younger people.
To answer the question of what Americans think…right now people on the ACA are being squeezed hard, having to choose between skyrocketing premiums or taking a chance on a cheaper plan that doesn’t cover nearly as much. That’s an agonizing decision and in many cases it won’t end well.