Rising Health Costs Are Forcing More Americans to Forego Care

August 14, 2026

Millions of Americans purchasing health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace are experiencing dramatic premium increases, with rates set to rise 15% in 2027 following approximately 25% hikes in 2026. The steep increases stem primarily from Congress allowing enhanced federal premium tax credits to expire last year, forcing consumers to pay double their previous premiums on average. As a result, approximately 4 million people have dropped coverage entirely, while others have switched to lower-tier plans with less comprehensive benefits.

Who is affected

Susan Alleman, a breast cancer survivor from Lincoln, Nebraska, who is skipping follow-up oncology appointments and diagnostic tests
Approximately 4 million people who have dropped ACA health insurance coverage due to increased costs
Americans who purchase their own health insurance through ACA marketplaces (enrollment declined from 24 million in 2025)
Georgia residents, where enrollment fell from 1.5 million to 950,000 people (37% decline)
Washington state residents facing average silver plan costs of $970 per month
Immigrant families eligible for coverage who may be discouraged by the public charge rule
Remaining ACA enrollees who face higher premiums due to a sicker risk pool

What action is being taken

Families USA is analyzing preliminary filings insurers submitted to state regulators
Families USA organized a news briefing to discuss the premium increases
Federal courts have temporarily blocked several new enrollment restrictions, including shorter enrollment periods and additional documentation requirements
Insurance companies are submitting rate increase requests to state regulators (ranging from 12% to over 54% in Georgia, averaging 22% in Washington state)
Consumer advocates are urging consumers to compare plans during open enrollment and update income information

Why it matters

The expiring enhanced tax credits and resulting premium increases are creating a healthcare affordability crisis that threatens the fundamental goals of the Affordable Care Act. As millions of Americans are priced out of coverage or forced into inadequate plans, they must make impossible choices between necessary medical care and basic living expenses like food and housing. The situation creates a dangerous feedback loop: as healthier people drop coverage due to cost, the remaining pool becomes sicker and more expensive to insure, driving rates even higher for everyone else. This undermines the risk-pooling principle that keeps insurance affordable and accessible, potentially reversing years of progress in reducing the uninsured rate. Additionally, people like cancer survivors are skipping critical follow-up care, which could lead to worse health outcomes and higher costs in the long term.

What's next

The public charge rule is scheduled to take effect on September 18
American Community Media will host a special news briefing on health care affordability on September 18
Open enrollment period is approaching, during which consumers should update income information, compare plans, verify physician networks, and seek assistance from marketplace navigators or certified enrollment counselors
State regulators will review and potentially approve the proposed premium increases for 2027

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint