Many Americans plan to cut food to afford ACA health insurance, new poll shows

A new KFF survey reveals that about 8 in 10 Americans who re-enrolled in Affordable Care Act marketplace plans report higher health care costs this year compared to last. The finding indicates that despite maintaining insurance coverage, many enrollees are struggling with affordability and considering trade-offs like reducing food spending to manage premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. This reflects persistent challenges with the ACA marketplace, where rising costs have outpaced income growth for many middle-income and working-class households. The survey underscores a core tension in U.S. health policy: while the ACA has expanded coverage, affordability remains a barrier for those who use it. The results come as policymakers across both parties debate how to address health care costs for Americans purchasing individual market plans.