What is the impact of the ACA subsidy expiration on Illinois residents?

The expiration of ACA subsidies could lead to a 78% increase in health insurance premiums statewide for Illinois residents, with some counties like Cook County facing a 95% hike.

What is the current status of the ACA subsidy extension in Congress?

While the government shutdown appears to be nearing an end, there is growing concern that lawmakers may not act in time to extend the ACA subsidies before the next open enrollment period. Experts believe Congress is unlikely to approve a "band-aid fix" to extend the subsidies.

Home / Health / Illinois Residents Brace for Massive Healthcare Cost Hikes as ACA Subsidies Expire

Illinois Residents Brace for Massive Healthcare Cost Hikes as ACA Subsidies Expire

Q: How many Illinois residents may lose their health insurance if the ACA subsidies are not extended?

Experts warn that nearly 500,000 Illinoisans, or 91% of those with exchange plans, currently qualify for the ACA subsidies. Without this financial assistance, up to 5 million Americans nationwide may drop their insurance coverage altogether.

11 Nov

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Summary

Illinois premiums could rise 78% if ACA subsidies end
Over 500,000 Illinoisans may lose insurance coverage
Lawmakers face pressure to extend subsidies before open enrollment

Illinois Residents Brace for Massive Healthcare Cost Hikes as ACA Subsidies Expire

As of November 11, 2025, Illinois residents who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace are bracing for a potential healthcare crisis. Experts warn that if Congress allows the ACA subsidies to expire, Illinois could see a statewide average premium increase of 78%, with some counties like Cook County facing a 95% hike.

This looming situation stems from the ongoing standoff in Congress over the future of the ACA subsidies. While the government shutdown appears to be nearing an end, there is growing concern that lawmakers may not act in time to extend the subsidies before the next open enrollment period. Stephanie Armour, a senior health policy correspondent at KFF Health News, notes that Congress is unlikely to approve a "band-aid fix" to extend the subsidies, leaving millions of Americans vulnerable.

The impact could be catastrophic for Illinois residents, with the state's Department of Insurance estimating that nearly 500,000 Illinoisans, or 91% of those with exchange plans, currently qualify for the ACA subsidies. Without this financial assistance, the statewide average premium of $260 per month could skyrocket to $464, pricing many out of the market. Experts warn that as many as 5 million people nationwide may drop their insurance coverage altogether if the subsidies are not extended.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.