Connecticut’s Affordable Care Act exchange is projecting a significant enrollment decline next year.

Access Health CT leaders blamed skyrocketing premiums due to federal subsidies expiring at the end of the year.

For some patients, it could mean no health insurance at all in 2026.

Marie Dhaiti has high blood pressure and diabetes, but she may to forgo health insurance next year – because she can no longer afford Obamacare.

“She feels really scared and nervous about what’s going on right now,” a translator said.

Dhaiti is one of dozens of patients at the Norwalk Community Health Center enrolled in Access Health CT facing an impossible choice – drop their health coverage or pay a lot more money.

“It could be $1,000 and up or about $2,000 a month,” said Claire Mezidor, an eligibility advisor who helps people sign up for Obamacare policies.

Access Health CT now projects an 8.2% drop in medical plan enrollments. As of Wednesday, 28,221 people had signed up.

“This is due to the 400% cliff population no longer being eligible for enhances premium tax credits and others who no longer qualify,” said Susan Rich-Bye, Access Health CT’s director of Legal and Governmental Affairs.

Health care subsidies were the main reason for the 43-day federal government shutdown. To reopen the government, Senate Republicans agreed to hold a vote on extending the subsidies – perhaps with tighter income limits – in December.

But passage is highly uncertain, especially in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“When that pain hits millions of families’ pocketbooks in January, maybe we’ll have a shot then,” said Sen. Chris Murphy. “We’re not going to stop fighting on behalf of families. We’re just not.”

With all the confusion, should patients sign up for another year of Obamacare?

For now, Mezidor is telling people to wait. “Everything is up in the air,” she said. “We don’t know exactly what to expect, what to tell them.” Right now, the deadline to apply is Jan. 15, but it may be extended.

“We are ready to pivot one way or the other,” said Access Health CT CEO James Michel. “So all is on the table to give our customers maximum possibilities.”

If Congress doesn’t act, the state of Connecticut may have to.

State lawmakers just created a $500 million emergency fund, but Gov. Ned Lamont is wary of using it to replace health care subsidies.

“I do worry about using short-term monies to pay for long-term obligations,” he said on Thursday. “I think that’s something that's gotten us in trouble in the past.”

Dhaiti believes it’s cheaper to keep her insured than send her to the emergency room.

“It’s going to be very hard for her and things can get really complicated without seeing a doctor, taking medications, because she cannot afford them,” the translator said. “She’s nervous because she won't be able to see a doctor and medication. She cannot afford them without insurance.”

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