By Sriparna RoyJan 29 (Reuters) – More than a million fewer Americans have signed up for Obamacare plans for 2026, with enrollment dropping to about 23 million as monthly premiums for many soared due to the expiration of extra COVID-19 pandemic health insurance subsidies. Total premium costs for subsidized Obamacare enrollees are expected to increase to an average $1,904 for 2026 from $888 in 2025, according to health-research firm KFF. In 2025, about 24.2 million people had the plans, created by former President Barack Obama’s signature Affordable Care Act. According to a poll conducted by KFF, 2026 premium payments were expected to more than double on average. “We believe it is prudent to wait for effectuated enrollment from plans, which is expected in early April, before drawing conclusions on 2026 enrollment,” said Baird analyst Michael Ha.