FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Health care costs under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are expected to rise next year for millions of Americans, as pandemic-era subsidies that helped lower premiums are set to expire. Those subsidies were not included in the federal funding bill Congress passed this week to reopen the government, leaving many families unsure of how much more they’ll be spending on coverage in 2026.

Early estimates from insurers show premiums increasing across multiple states, including Arkansas. For some residents, the jump is so steep that keeping coverage may no longer be possible.

One of them is Martha White, a 64-year-old retiree living in Northwest Arkansas. She says she received paperwork last week showing her monthly Affordable Care Act premium would more than double next year

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