Fewer Ohio residents have signed up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for the current enrollment year, primarily due to rising costs. Preliminary data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services indicates a decline in enrollment, with many individuals citing affordability as a significant barrier. As of January 3, 2025, Ohioans faced increased monthly premiums, which could deter further participation in the ACA marketplace.
The enrollment period for Ohio ran through January 15, leaving room for the final numbers to shift. However, early indicators suggest that many might opt out of health insurance entirely if monthly costs remain high. For instance, a family of four in Cleveland earning approximately $60,000 annually is now paying about $221 more each month for the same coverage compared to previous years.
The ACA marketplace serves as a vital resource for individuals who do not qualify for Medicaid and lack affordable employer-sponsored health insurance. This includes numerous self-employed individuals, gig workers, and rural families. Notably, over a quarter of farmers and ranchers in Ohio rely on the ACA for their health insurance needs. To assist with affordability, the federal government has historically provided subsidies known as premium tax credits, which reduce monthly premiums based on an individual’s income.
Unfortunately, these enhanced subsidies expired at the end of 2025, following Congress’s decision not to renew them. As a result, many families are now facing higher costs without additional financial support.
Political Responses and Future Implications
In Washington, lawmakers are currently debating whether to reinstate some of the financial assistance that lapsed in 2025. Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted has proposed a plan to extend the enhanced premium tax credits for an additional two years. His proposal, however, would restrict benefits to U.S. citizens and limit coverage for certain medical procedures, including abortions, except in specific circumstances. Husted argues that requiring enrollees to contribute at least $5 monthly towards their coverage would help mitigate issues of fraud.
“Without any action, many American families will see their premiums rise significantly,” Husted stated. He emphasized that the American healthcare system is not lacking in funds but rather in accountability.
Conversely, former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown criticized Husted’s approach, accusing him of inaction amid a pressing crisis. “Ohioans are being forced to choose between paying more for their health care coverage or dropping their insurance altogether, all while Husted sits back and refuses to take action,” Brown remarked in a statement.
As discussions in Congress continue, the future of health insurance affordability for Ohio residents hangs in the balance. With many families already struggling to adjust to rising premiums, the outcome of these debates could significantly impact the health insurance landscape in the state.
The situation underscores the critical need for accessible and affordable healthcare options, especially for vulnerable populations who depend on the ACA marketplace for their health insurance. As Ohioans weigh their options, the implications of Congress’s decisions will resonate far beyond the health insurance marketplace, affecting the overall well-being of many families across the state.
