They’re uninsured after Obamacare became too costly. And they’re far from alone.

They're Uninsured After Obamacare Became Too Costly

They re uninsured after Obamacare became - For years, Ross and Rebecca Tobiassen relied on federally subsidized insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to manage healthcare costs. However, as premiums skyrocketed, the couple faced a tough decision: to cancel their coverage. Their story highlights a growing trend among Americans who are choosing to go uninsured due to the rising costs of Obamacare. "

It’s not worth it anymore," Rebecca said, reflecting the frustration of many facing similar dilemmas.

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The Tobiassens’ experience underscores the financial strain on families as the Biden administration’s American Rescue Plan Act subsidies expire in 2025. These tax credits had kept premiums affordable for millions, but without them, rates have surged. In their case, the monthly cost jumped from $130 to over $550, forcing them to prioritize daily expenses over health coverage. While their choice is personal, it mirrors a broader crisis affecting hundreds of thousands of households across the country.

A Ripple Effect Across Communities

As the ACA’s affordability declines, individuals and families are increasingly vulnerable. Rebecca, a mechanic, has seen firsthand the risks of being uninsured. A heavy object once fractured her husband’s thumb, and a spring pierced their garage wall like a projectile. In 2020, an eye injury led to partial blindness after cornea infections and repeated shrapnel-like impacts. Despite these health threats, the Tobiassens opted for cheaper alternatives, accepting the possibility of future medical debt.

Rebecca’s decision isn’t isolated. KFF data reveals that ACA enrollment has declined significantly in states like North Carolina, where individual market participation dropped by 22% compared to 2025. This loss translates to over 213,000 people losing coverage, a trend that could worsen by 2026. The financial burden is particularly acute for low-income families, independent contractors, and those with chronic conditions who struggle to access affordable plans. "

We’ve known that you don’t care about us," Rebecca said, "but you’re making it plain and simple now."

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Experts warn that the expiration of subsidies is accelerating a shift in healthcare access. The ACA, once a cornerstone of affordable care, now faces criticism for its rising premiums and high deductibles. For families like the Tobiassens, the trade-off between immediate savings and long-term health risks is becoming harder to ignore. Ross, who works 47 hours a week, insists his partial blindness hasn’t slowed his productivity, yet the couple remains anxious about potential emergencies that could lead to overwhelming expenses.

With 2026 enrollment periods approaching, the pressure to act is intensifying. KFF reports that premiums have already increased sharply, and deductibles are rising faster than inflation. This financial strain has led to a wave of cancellations, particularly among those who had previously relied on subsidies to bridge the gap between income and coverage. The Tobiassens’ story is emblematic of a larger challenge: maintaining health insurance in an environment where costs are outpacing affordability.

While the ACA has expanded access to care for millions, its current structure is under scrutiny. Critics argue that the law’s reliance on subsidies and risk pools has created instability, especially for high-risk individuals. For Rebecca, the uncertainty of the future is a constant worry. "You can’t plan for something that might happen next month," she said, emphasizing the anxiety of living without insurance in a world where medical costs can quickly spiral out of control.

As the 2026 enrollment period unfolds, the impact of these changes will become clearer. KFF estimates that coverage could drop from 22 million to as few as 16.5 million, marking a significant shift in healthcare access. The Tobiassens’ decision to cancel their coverage may seem drastic, but it reflects a collective effort to navigate a system that feels increasingly unresponsive to their needs. Their story, though personal, serves as a warning of the broader challenges facing the ACA and the American healthcare system.