Uninsured Rate for Working-Age Adults Rises to 11.2%
Higher coverage costs mean more households are struggling with medical debt as federal marketplace subsidies expire.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Insurance
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The uninsured rate for working-age adults in the U.S. climbed to 11.2% in 2026, up from 8.9% in 2024. This shift follows federal policy changes that ended expanded marketplace subsidies and altered enrollment requirements for lower-income households.
Why it matters
Changes in federal policy have increased the financial burden for many households, as costs for health coverage rise and access to subsidized programs shrinks. These shifts are significantly impacting how families manage medical expenses and prioritize health care in their budgets.
The uninsured rate for working-age adults reached 11.2% in 2026, marking an increase from 8.9% in 2024. With ACA plan premiums rising by $750 to $4,035 annually, 30% of adults are now actively paying off medical or dental debt.
The players
The Commonwealth Fund
A private foundation that promotes a high-performing health care system and tracks national insurance coverage trends.
The details
The rise in uninsured rates stems from the expiration of expanded ACA subsidies at the end of 2025 and the termination of simplified enrollment periods for households earning under 150% of the federal poverty level. These policy shifts force more families to cover the full cost of private insurance or go without coverage entirely. Consequently, half of all working-age adults reported skipping necessary medical care due to these rising costs during 2026.
Timeline
2010 to 2025: The U.S. uninsured rate fell from 16% to 8.9%.
2024: The uninsured rate for working-age adults was 8.9%.
2026: The uninsured rate for working-age adults rose to 11.2%.
2036: The number of uninsured people is projected to reach 37 million.
Money Landscape
This reversal in health coverage gains marks a significant departure from the steady decline in uninsured rates seen under the Affordable Care Act from 2010 to 2025. It suggests a new, more difficult environment for household health budget planning.
If you are currently evaluating your coverage, review your household budget for potential premium increases following the expiration of federal subsidies. Consult with a qualified health insurance broker or a tax professional to understand your specific eligibility for remaining coverage options.
The takeaway
Rising coverage gaps mean families should more closely scrutinize their health insurance renewal notices for cost changes. Families concerned about maintaining coverage should discuss their options with a qualified professional to navigate changing enrollment rules.
Further reading
For additional context on coverage trends, see our Insurance section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Forbes.
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