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Rising Health Care Costs Leave Millions Uninsured in 2026

2/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Stacey Hilton, a 55-year-old nurse from West Michigan, is uninsured in 2026 as health care premiums rise.
In 2025, about 24 million Americans relied on the Affordable Care Act.
Costs rose after COVID-19-era subsidies expired.
A KFF poll found two-thirds of respondents worry about affording health care.
Dr. Mark Fendrick noted the trend of people going without insurance and argued that rising costs necessitate a value-based payment system.

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Story summary

Stacey Hilton, a 55-year-old nurse from West Michigan, is uninsured in 2026 as health care premiums rise.
In 2025, about 24 million Americans relied on the Affordable Care Act.
Costs rose after COVID-19-era subsidies expired.
A KFF poll found two-thirds of respondents worry about affording health care.
Dr. Mark Fendrick noted the trend of people going without insurance and argued that rising costs necessitate a value-based payment system.