Full Breakdown
Rising Health Care Costs Leave Michiganders Without Insurance in 2026
2/17/2026, 10:59:02 AM
The Impact of Expired Subsidies on Health Insurance Enrollment
In 2026, many Americans, including Stacey Hilton, a 55-year-old registered nurse from West Michigan, are facing the daunting reality of going without health insurance due to skyrocketing premiums. Hilton, who has high blood pressure and fibromyalgia, was among over 24 million individuals who obtained health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace in 2025. However, the expiration of COVID-19-era subsidies at the end of 2025 has led to significant increases in out-of-pocket costs. The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) estimates that average premiums will rise by approximately 114% in 2026, with Hilton's monthly bill doubling to about $800. As of late January 2026, Michigan had 497,064 residents enrolled in ACA plans, a decrease of about 34,000 from the previous year.
Concerns Over Affordability and Access
A January poll from KFF revealed that two-thirds of respondents nationwide expressed concern about affording health care, surpassing worries about utilities, food, and housing. Kendra Bonga, a self-employed upholsterer from Grand Rapids, experienced a similar situation when her ACA plan's cost surged from $180 to $585 per month, effectively doubling her deductible. Despite finding a new plan, Bonga faces a deductible three times higher than before, highlighting the ongoing struggle for affordability in health care.
Dr. Mark Fendrick, a physician and professor at the University of Michigan, noted that while the ACA successfully reduced the uninsured rate, it fell short in making health insurance affordable. He expressed concern over the rising number of individuals, like Hilton, who are opting to go without insurance, stating, “Here we are, back to the future. I never thought we’d be back here.”
Navigating Health Care Without Insurance
For those unable to afford insurance, Fendrick recommends exploring alternative options. Michigan's major health systems offer programs for individuals in financial need, and community health centers provide services on a sliding income scale. Organizations like the Patient Assistance Network and GoodRx also offer financial assistance and access to affordable medications. Fendrick emphasizes the importance of communication with health care providers about financial limitations to negotiate costs effectively.
The Need for Systemic Change
The rising costs of health care in America are complex and require a paradigm shift from a "fee for service" model to a value-based payment system that prioritizes health outcomes. Fendrick argues that the current system does not yield satisfactory health results despite high spending, likening it to a golfer being paid per swing rather than for achieving the desired outcome.
Looking Ahead: Uncertainty for Michiganders
As 2026 unfolds, individuals like Hilton are left with uncertainty regarding their health care futures. Hilton hopes to secure temporary insurance through travel nursing, but the unpredictability of her health and financial situation looms large. “I’m hoping for the best this year that nothing significant happens that I won’t be able to cover on my own,” she stated, reflecting the anxiety many feel as they navigate the changing landscape of health care in America.
