Source: Fortune
Summary
A recent survey by KFF found that 8 in 10 Americans who re-enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace coverage reported higher health care costs, with 55% planning to cut spending on food and other basic needs to cope. The expiration of enhanced tax credits on December 31 has led to increased costs for many enrollees. Some have had to make tough decisions, such as choosing between medication and other necessities or downgrading their plans.
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The numbers tell one story.
Priscilla Brown, a 48-year-old truck dispatcher, takes half or a third of her prescribed insulin dose to stretch it out longer due to high costs. Eric LeVasseur, a 63-year-old software developer, dropped coverage altogether after his premiums nearly tripled. James Mako, an engineer, downgraded to a bronze-level plan with a higher deductible. Many ACA enrollees blame health insurance companies and politicians for the rising costs.
As the health care debate continues, Americans are making impossible choices between their health and other necessities.
Author: Evan Null
