Why 82% of Freelancers Say Healthcare Access Could Make or Break This Election
Ever wonder what happens when the lifeline of Affordable Care Act enhanced subsidies starts to unravel for freelancers? Around late 2025, we reached out to over 600 freelancers to see just how the expiration of these subsidies might shake things up. Turns out, 58% snag their healthcare through the state marketplace, and a whopping 77% fear losing coverage or having to downgrade their plans — or worse, skimp on essentials like housing and groceries. It’s not just about healthcare; it’s a voting issue for 82% of respondents as the 2026 midterms approach. With freelancing booming, shouldn’t the benefits keep pace? Turns out, many are still in the dark about portable benefits, but once they catch on, 41% see promise in them. Freelancers fuel our economy; don’t they deserve a healthcare system that keeps up? Dive into the full survey insights and see why this conversation matters now more than ever. LEARN MORE.
Towards the end of 2025, we circulated a survey to our members, asking how they as freelancers will be affected by the expiration of the Affordable Care Act enhanced subsidies. Of the over 600 respondents, 58% said that they purchase their healthcare plan through the state marketplace. Seventy-seven percent of freelancers said that without the ACA enhanced subsidies, they would lose coverage, downgrade their plans, or need to cut back on essential spending, like housing, groceries, and transportation.
Freelancers are overwhelmingly in support of the Affordable Care Act subsidies, with 91% of respondents saying they want to see the ACA subsidies extended. Whether or not freelancers are personally enrolled in state marketplace plans, they heartily support other freelancers’ ability to easily access affordable healthcare. In fact, 82% of freelancers said that access to healthcare is an issue that affects how they vote — a key touchpoint to consider ahead of the June 2026 midterm elections.
As the freelance workforce grows, both the government and market must catch up to their needs. Freelance workers put in the same amount of work as any full-time employee; they deserve the same benefits, be it healthcare, sick time, personal leave, and more. Portable benefits present a potential path forward. Although 70% of respondents were unfamiliar at this time with portable benefits, upon explanation, 41% believed portable benefits could improve their lives.
See below for more takeaways from the survey. Freelancers make our economy work; we deserve a healthcare system that works for us in turn.
