Federal data show about 3 million fewer people enrolled in Affordable Care Act plans, a 13 percent decline from 22.1 million to 19.2 million after federal premium subsidies end and premiums rise sharply.The Department of Health and Human Services points to a crackdown on fraudulent enrollments, but health analysts and Cynthia Cox of the Kaiser Family Foundation say the subsidy expiration at the start of the year is the primary driver and that enrollment may fall to about 17.5 million.The expiration of subsidies prompted heated debate in
Congress last fall, the new figures reflect the marketplace after a nonpayment grace period ended, and analysts warn further declines will widen coverage gaps for working-age Americans without employer or Medicaid coverage.