Deadline looms for Affordable Care Act enrollment amid drop in sign-ups

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The clock is ticking for North Carolinians to enroll in Affordable Care Act health coverage, with Thursday's deadline fast approaching.

However, new data reveals a significant drop in enrollment, driven by the expiration of enhanced subsidies that previously made coverage more affordable.

Without these subsidies, which were a focal point during last fall's government shutdown, premiums in North Carolina are now two to three times higher for marketplace customers, according to the NC Navigator Consortium.

This week's data shows the impact of these rising costs, with roughly 200,000 fewer people enrolling this year compared to last.

"There are folks who had coverage last year who enrolled through a navigator or with a navigator's help who have told us, 'I just can't afford this, so I'm just going to go without health coverage this year,'" said Nicholas Riggs, director of the NC Navigator Consortium.

Open enrollment continues until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday

Meanwhile, lawmakers in Washington are working to restore enhanced subsidies, though it remains uncertain whether this will happen in time to affect coverage for 2026.

ABC11's Sean Coffey contributed to this report.