Thanks to DC insider Michael Whatley backing Washington Republicans as they refused to extend the ACA subsidies, “more than 200,000 fewer” North Carolinians can afford health care. With Whatley’s policies sending monthly premiums skyrocketing for nearly 1 million North Carolinians, North Carolina saw one of the biggest drops in ACA enrollment.
Whatley is even getting rich off skyrocketing health care costs after he “help[ed] build support for [a] bill” that drives up prescription drug costs for seniors while benefiting “up to $265,000” of Whatley’s Big Pharma stocks.
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Axios Raleigh: ACA enrollment in North Carolina plummets after subsidies expire
Zachery Eanes | May 8, 2026
- The number of North Carolinians enrolled in health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act has fallen significantly this year. More than 200,000 fewer people are getting insurance via the program this year, according to data compiled by KFF.
- Why it matters: The drop came after enhanced subsidies for the ACA expired, making plans more expensive for many people.
- Zoom in: North Carolina saw one of the biggest drops year-over-year, according to an analysis by Health Care Dive.
- “We had a lot of folks tell us that they just could not afford a plan this year,” Riggs told Axios. “There are folks who are choosing to go without coverage and that’s always our concern,” he added.
- The big picture: It’s not just ACA enrollees facing sticker shock. Premiums have risen for many people, including workers who have insurance coverage through their employer.
- Around 64% of U.S. adults are worried about being able to pay for their health care costs, according to a poll by KFF, and the issue is likely to be weighing on many voters in this year’s midterm.
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