New Data Shows ACA Enrollment Down After Rep. Kiggans Fails to Restore Health Care Tax Credits

Virginia Beach, VA – New Virginia Marketplace data shows that nearly 19,000 fewer people enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage for 2026 after Rep. Kiggans failed to restore the ACA tax credits in January. 

Despite constituents urging her to restore the health care tax credits, Rep. Jen Kiggans voted against the only viable option to restore them, leaving nearly 400,000 Virginians to face skyrocketing premiums. 

“My wife and I are too young to qualify for Medicare, and don’t have insurance through an employer, so it’s on us to make do. In the past few years, we have relied on our ACA coverage,” said Jeff, a Virginia Beach resident. “Our plan went up hundreds of dollars this year, and we have no choice but to pay it. For people who have chronic illnesses, you get stuck between a rock and a hard place. Risk going without coverage and hope for the best, or pay more and see what other line items you can cut. Rep. Jen Kiggans failed us when she didn’t restore the ACA tax credits, and we are calling on her to lower health care costs.”

Rep. Kiggans has a long history of opposing the ACA, including advocating its complete repeal, and she said “we don’t need these” regarding the ACA tax credits. Rep. Kiggans has reiterated that she believes the credits should be phased out completely, leaving Virginia families to pay the price. 

For those who did keep ACA coverage,more opted for a Bronze plan than last year, which has lower premiums but much higher out-of-pocket costs. Families have seen their costs increase by hundreds of dollars, with many seeing their premiums double or triple. 

ACA plans have a 90-day grace period for those who need that time to pay their premiums. The number of those without coverage is anticipated to increase at the end of the grace period as more opt out of insurance altogether. Rep. Kiggans must take action to restore these vital credits.