Ohio sees largest ACA enrollment decline as subsidies expire, 160,000 lose coverage

Ohio recorded the steepest drop in Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment of any state after the expiration of pandemic‑era premium subsidies. Federal data show enrollment fell from just under 500,000 in February 2025 to about 336,000 four months later, a loss of roughly 160,000 people (32.4%). The national ACA enrollment fell by 2.6 million in February 2026, a 10% decline, but Ohio’s loss was the deepest.

State officials and health‑policy analysts link the decline to votes by Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted, who opposed extending the enhanced premium tax credits. Ohio Democratic Party senior communications advisor Tony Wen said, “More than 160,000 Ohioans have lost Affordable Care Act coverage thanks to Jon Husted’s votes — the largest decline in coverage of any other state in the country.” The loss is expected to raise the number of uninsured Ohioans and increase out‑of‑pocket costs for many families.