Health Insurance Costs Skyrocket: What's Next for Obamacare Users?

In Pennsylvania, a big change is happening with health insurance. Many people are dropping their plans because the costs are going up too high. Sasha Kinney is one of them. She might have to put her insurance on a credit card. She earns enough money to not qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to easily afford the rising costs of her Obamacare plan.

The Problem

The problem started when Congress didn't extend a program that helped keep insurance costs down. This program made sure no one paid more than 8.5% of their income on health coverage. Without it, costs have shot up. Kinney will now pay an extra $250 a month. She says she'll go into debt, but it's still better than not having coverage.

Congress' Response

Congress is trying to fix this. The House has approved a plan to bring back the tax credits for three years. But the Senate hasn't acted yet. President Trump has also announced a healthcare plan, but the details are vague.

The Rush to Decide

Meanwhile, people are rushing to decide what to do. The deadline to enroll in a plan for 2026 is Jan. 31. In Pennsylvania, about 70,000 people have already dropped their coverage because they can't afford the price increase. Nationally, about 800,000 fewer people have signed up for Obamacare plans compared to last year.

Expert Advice

Experts are advising people to think carefully about their choices. They should look at all their options and make sure they can afford their plan for the whole year. If Congress renews the tax credits, prices might go down.

Varying Costs

In some parts of Pennsylvania, costs have gone up by three or four times. In other areas, the increase is more moderate. Other factors like household size, age, and income also affect the cost. Some people might save money by choosing a plan with a lower monthly cost and a higher deductible.

Kinney's Decision

Kinney considered switching to a cheaper plan. But she was worried about higher out-of-pocket costs. She sees doctors and physical therapists regularly and didn't want to risk finding new providers. In the end, she thought the costs would even out. She said there's basically no way to save money.