Centene’s Obamacare Enrollment Drops By 2 Million After Congress Strips Subsidies
Health insurer Centene reported a loss of 2 million Obamacare enrollees in the first quarter of 2026, dropping to 3.58 million from 5.54 million the prior year, following the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies. Despite the enrollment decline, the company posted $1.5 billion in net income, aided by growth in Medicaid, Medicare, and prescription drug plans. The drop aligns with warnings from analysts and Democrats that ending subsidy enhancements would make coverage unaffordable for many. Overall healthcare cost trends showed slight improvement, with Centene's medical spending ratio slightly down year-over-year.
- ▪Centene's marketplace enrollment under the Ambetter brand fell to 3.58 million at the end of Q1 2026 from 5.54 million at the end of the previous year.
- ▪The decline follows Congress's failure to renew enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits, leading to significant premium increases for consumers.
- ▪Centene reported $1.5 billion in net income for Q1 2026, up from $1.3 billion in the same period last year, with revenue rising to $49.9 billion.
- ▪UnitedHealthcare also reported a decline in Obamacare enrollment, dropping to 1.4 million from 1.7 million year-over-year.
- ▪Centene's health benefits ratio improved slightly to 87.3% in Q1 2026 from 87.5% the prior year, indicating modest stabilization in medical costs.
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InnovationHealthcareCentene’s Obamacare Enrollment Drops By 2 Million After Congress Strips SubsidiesByBruce Japsen,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Bruce Japsen writes about healthcare business and policy.Follow AuthorApr 28, 2026, 07:40am EDTApr 28, 2026, 10:57am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Centene headquarters in the St. Louis suburb of Clayton, Mo.CenteneHealth insurer Centene reported first quarter net income of more than $1.5 billion despite a drop of 2 million enrollees in individual coverage under the Affordable Care Act also known as Obamacare.
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