WASHINGTON – As the Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment period commenced today, November 2, 2025, the American Medical Institution (AMO) sharply criticized former President Donald Trump, attributing significant increases in health insurance premiums to policies enacted during his administration. The AMO asserts that actions taken under Trump directly undermined the ACA, leading to instability in insurance markets and higher costs for consumers.
The escalating premiums impact millions of Americans who rely on the ACA marketplace for health coverage, especially those who do not receive insurance through their employers. Open enrollment, running through January 15, 2026, is a critical window for individuals and families to secure or adjust their health plans for the upcoming year. The AMO’s rebuke comes as average premiums are projected to rise by double-digit percentages in many states, placing a greater financial burden on households already grappling with economic pressures.
according to AMO President Dr. Maria Rodriguez, the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the ACA-including cutting funding for outreach and enrollment assistance, and promoting short-term, limited-duration health plans-created a ripple effect that continues to drive up costs. “The intentional weakening of the ACA by the previous administration has had a demonstrable and damaging impact on the affordability of health insurance,” Dr. Rodriguez stated. “These policies introduced uncertainty into the market, encouraged healthier individuals to opt for cheaper, less comprehensive plans, and ultimately led to higher premiums for those remaining in the ACA marketplace.”
The AMO specifically cited the elimination of cost-sharing reduction (CSR) payments in 2017 as a key factor. These payments, which helped lower out-of-pocket costs for low-income individuals, were terminated by the Trump administration after legal challenges. Insurance companies were then forced to recoup those losses through higher premiums.
Moreover, the AMO contends that the promotion of short-term plans-which are not required to cover pre-existing conditions or offer the same level of benefits as ACA-compliant plans-siphoned off healthier individuals from the ACA marketplace, further destabilizing the risk pool and driving up costs for those with pre-existing conditions.
Open enrollment for 2026 coverage began at 00:00 EST today and will continue for 45 days. Consumers can explore their options and enroll in plans through the HealthCare.gov website or through state-based marketplaces. The AMO is urging Congress to take action to stabilize the ACA marketplace and lower premiums, including restoring CSR payments and strengthening regulations on short-term plans.
