According to a report from the US Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 3 million people have lost health insurance covered by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) since last year. The current number of registered people is 19.2 million, reports the Associated Press (AP).
Analysts indicate that the main reason behind this reduction is the expiration, as of January 1, of federal subsidies, causing an increase in insurance premiums that is unaffordable for many people.
The campaign against fraudulent registration could also have influenced this decrease.
Impact on health coverage
Cynthia Cox, vice president and director of the ACA program at the nonprofit health research organization KFF, said rising premiums have led to a substantial loss of health coverage, especially affecting self-employed workers and people who don't qualify for Medicaid. It is estimated that the number of beneficiaries could fall to 17.5 million throughout the year.
“This loss of coverage coincided with millions of people increasing their health insurance premiums by double or even triple digits,” Cox said.
The expiration of the subsidies was the subject of controversy in Congress, with calls from Democrats and some Republicans for their renewal. This situation has generated concern among voters ahead of the upcoming elections, emphasizing the affordability of health care as one of their main concerns.
Impact on independent workers
Loss of health coverage in self-employed workers increases the risk of untreated illnesses, health debt, and delays in seeking care, which worsens physical and mental health.
Immediate impact on health
Economic effects and stress
Specific risks for independents
Consequences on access to services
What freelancers can do
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