According to a recent analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation, the number of uninsured Americans has increased by 2 million since 2020, reaching 30 million in 2025. The primary driver is the rising cost of insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.
Premiums for mid-level 'silver' plans have increased by an average of 15% in 2025, while deductibles have risen to over $8,000 for many families. This has made coverage unaffordable for middle-income households who do not qualify for subsidies.
In interviews with NPR, several individuals described dropping their insurance because monthly premiums consumed over 20% of their income. One self-employed worker from Ohio said, 'I had to choose between paying for health insurance or paying my mortgage.'
Experts warn that the trend could worsen if Congress does not extend enhanced subsidies set to expire in 2026. Without action, premiums could spike further, pushing more Americans into the ranks of the uninsured.
