Paragon Report Flags 6 Million Improper Obamacare Enrollments, Targeting 27% of 2026 Sign-Ups
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jun 3
Paragon Report Flags 6 Million Improper Obamacare Enrollments, Targeting 27% of 2026 Sign-Ups
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jun 3
Summary
More than 6 million ACA exchange enrollments in 2026 were improper—about 27% of all sign-ups—according to a new Paragon Health Institute report focused on the lowest-income subsidy tier.
Paragon says zero-premium plans and weak verification on Healthcare.gov create incentives for consumers and enrollment intermediaries to understate income, with improper sign-ups concentrated in states using the federal exchange.
The findings bolster Republicans and the Trump administration as they argue fraud is inflating Obamacare rolls; CMS chief Mehmet Oz has linked more than 1 million coverage drop-offs this year partly to anti-fraud efforts.
Paragon urged tighter oversight of third-party enrollment platforms and eliminating zero-dollar premium plans, while acknowledging the administration's recent rulemaking and One Big Beautiful Bill Act as steps toward stronger program integrity.
Improper enrollment does not necessarily mean fraud: consumers can misjudge future household income, and excess subsidies are typically reconciled and recouped at tax time.