Introducing the Newly Uninsured

Millions in America are on the edge of losing their health coverage. We reached out to some of those affected.

If Congress doesn't intervene soon, around four million people could lose their health insurance as premiums become unaffordable.

Though a recent agreement put an end to a prolonged government shutdown, a fix for soaring health insurance costs remains elusive. Without a solution, many who use the Affordable Care Act’s marketplaces may confront significantly higher costs.

If no legislative action is taken, premiums for health insurance are set to increase dramatically—potentially five or six times what some paid last year.

Millions purchase their insurance through these exchanges, and many are faced with sticker shock as financial assistance is reduced or eliminated, making coverage seem out of reach.

Democrats have secured a promise from Republicans to hold a vote on reviving insurance subsidies by mid-December as part of the shutdown resolution. Talks are occurring on Capitol Hill to find ways to reduce these surging costs.

With the enrollment period for health coverage closing on December 15, time is running out for legislators to find a solution. To highlight the human impact of this healthcare policy issue, we spoke to four individuals grappling with major premium increases who are considering dropping their coverage.

The Freelancer

Hussein Cabrera, an IT contractor for a health insurance firm in South Carolina, is ironically without employee benefits. As a contractor over the past years, Hussein, his wife, and daughter have kept their coverage through ACA.

Their previous plan cost $53 monthly, mainly covering his wife's autoimmune condition, with a cheaper option for himself and their daughter. This year, the same plan for his wife rose to $285 per month.

Faced with this increase, Hussein didn't even check his or his daughter’s options. He sought financial alternatives online, and amid numerous discussions on Reddit, he found others in similar situations turning to unorthodox methods to fund medical care.

Now contemplating a drastic decision, he may maintain his wife's plan to continue her treatment while considering uninsured options for himself and his daughter. Their financial capacity no longer supports two plans due to the new costs.

With limited options, Hussein plans to bring their medical check-ups and pharmacy visits forward before their current coverage lapses at the year's end.

Looking ahead, he is left with little choice but to hope for the best.

The Chronic Asthma Sufferer

Ian, 36, resides in San Antonio, Texas. His life is a balancing act—working part-time while helping care for his parents. Despite his history of fluctuating jobs, he consistently maintained ACA health coverage.

Last year's plan cost below $100 monthly, requiring no deductible. However, the cheapest plan for next year balloons to $282 monthly with a $10,000 deductible.

Ian, who has battled asthma since childhood, now finds himself at a crossroads. A recent battle with COVID-19 worsened his condition, making healthcare essential for him.

Without health insurance, his medication expense could exceed $50 per inhaler, a significant cost considering untreated symptoms could lead to long-term damage.

In Texas, where uninsured rates are high, healthcare providers offer basic services at reduced rates, which may serve as a fallback if Ian goes uninsured.

Despite exploring cost-saving options like discount drug programs, Ian is discontented with the current flawed healthcare system.

The Business Owner

At 47, Samuel is a former government contractor who recently ventured into entrepreneurship. He once enjoyed excellent workplace health benefits but now contends with expensive independent options.

His initial plan on ACA cost $480 monthly with a high deductible, which stretched his budget but was manageable. However, plan options for this year surge to $580 with even higher deductibles.

Considering himself healthy, Samuel contemplates his ability to afford going without insurance, yet fears being refused hospital treatment due to his lack of coverage.

This predicament highlights the harsh realities created by the current healthcare system, forcing him to seek additional employment to cover rising insurance rates while hoping for governmental intervention.

The Retiree

Steven, a retiree in New Jersey, faces financial strain due to rising insurance premiums, just as mechanical issues around the house add to his stress.

After his spouse's corporate insurance ended, the family secured ACA coverage, which, though costly at $1,000 monthly, retained their network of doctors.

This year, maintaining the same coverage would cost them $2,700 monthly, prompting thoughts of removing their college-aged son from the policy, although this would provide only minimal savings.

Feeling cornered and unable to forego insurance due to their age, Steven faces draining his retirement savings to pay for health expenses, illustrating the pressure on aging populations.

He believes partisan politics overshadow genuine care for citizens' health needs, leading to financial distress for many.