When a bipartisan coalition in the U.S. House voted this month to approve a three-year, $80 billion extension of extra insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act — over the opposition of Republican leaders in Congress — there was a sense of accomplishment in the hallways of the Capitol.

Fewer Americans are signing up for Affordable Care Act health insurance plans this year. New federal data shows a 3.5% drop in enrollment, with around 800,000 fewer people selecting plans compared to last year.

As millions of Americans struggle with paying for health care, doctors and health experts discuss how medical care is being eroded by insurers denying necessary tests and treatment, making it "more difficult to be healthy in the United States.

Musicians, tattoo artists and other Nashvillians among Tennesseans struggling to afford health insurance premiums as Congress debates extension.

By Amina Niasse and Richard Cowan NEW YORK/WASHINGTON, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Millions of Americans are facing higher healthcare costs in 2026 as open enrollment for most federally subsidized Obamacare plans closes on Thursday and Congress remains divided on whether and how it should reinstate generous COVID-era tax credits.

After the ACA tax credit lapsed in December, enrollees are opting for less robust health plans or dropping coverage altogether.

While Congress debates bringing back Affordable Care Act subsidies, many Americans have already made life-altering decisions to afford health care.

Federal law sets 26 as the usual cutoff for staying on a parent’s health insurance, but several states allow extended coverage when certain eligibility rules are met.