Trump Administration Proposes Major ACA Overhaul Targeting Enrollment and Subsidies

The proposed changes include shortening the enrollment period, stricter eligibility requirements, and removing key coverage options, drawing criticism over potential impacts on low-income individuals and marginalized groups.

The Trump administration has proposed shortening the Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment period by one month, ending on December 15 instead of January 15.
New rules would require stricter eligibility verification for subsidies and special enrollment periods, aiming to address improper enrollments estimated to cost $20 billion annually.
The proposal seeks to eliminate year-round enrollment opportunities for low-income individuals and impose a $5 monthly premium for automatic re-enrollments with fully-subsidized plans.
Gender-affirming care would no longer be classified as an essential health benefit starting in 2026, though states and insurers could still choose to cover it.
The administration plans to end ACA coverage eligibility for DACA recipients, potentially affecting 147,000 individuals, while the rule undergoes public comment and potential revisions.