Unaffordable ACA Premiums Leave Thousands Uninsured

Ending of subsidies forces tough choices for Michigan residents

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:41am

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A minimalist design in the style of Keith Haring, where the outline of a person's silhouette is defined entirely by vibrant, glowing neon lines against a deep, dark background, conveying the emotional turmoil of individuals facing unaffordable healthcare options.The looming healthcare crisis leaves many Americans grappling with difficult choices about their coverage.Grand Rapids Today

With the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies coming to an end, many Michigan residents are facing skyrocketing health insurance premiums and limited coverage options. Rebecca Perrin, a Wyoming resident, was shocked to see her monthly premium jump from $30 to $450, leading her to consider going uninsured altogether. Experts warn that the loss of subsidies could cause millions nationwide to lose their health coverage.

Why it matters

The end of the ACA subsidies is expected to have a significant impact, potentially leading to a surge in the uninsured population. This will have ripple effects, as more uninsured individuals seek care at hospitals, driving up costs for everyone with insurance.

The details

After losing her Medicaid eligibility in 2023, Perrin enrolled in an ACA plan that was quite affordable at the time. However, this year her previous plan was no longer available, and the new options presented to her were much more expensive. Perrin found plans for as low as $11-$12 per month, but they came with high deductibles and out-of-pocket costs totaling around $17,000. Ultimately, Perrin is considering going without any health insurance at all, as she is worried about the financial burden of unexpected medical expenses.

  • In 2023, Perrin began acquiring coverage through the Affordable Care Act after losing her Medicaid eligibility.
  • On January 1, 2026, the enhanced premium tax credits provided by the ACA expired.

The players

Rebecca Perrin

A resident of Wyoming who previously depended on tax credits to manage her healthcare expenses.

Marianne Udow-Phillips

A lecturer at the University of Michigan School of Public Health and a senior advisor at the Center for Health and Research Transformation.

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What they’re saying

“I was completely shocked. I thought, 'This is outrageous. Who on earth can afford these prices?'”

— Rebecca Perrin

“In many instances, we are seeing the premiums double due to the end of those enhanced subsidies. An increase in the uninsured population will have repercussions for everyone, even those who receive insurance through their employers.”

— Marianne Udow-Phillips, Lecturer, University of Michigan School of Public Health and Senior Advisor, Center for Health and Research Transformation

What’s next

As Congress reconvenes in January, funding for ACA subsidies is expected to be a pressing concern. Lawmakers will need to address this issue quickly to prevent further increases in the uninsured population.

The takeaway

The end of the ACA subsidies is creating a healthcare crisis, forcing many Americans to choose between paying exorbitant premiums or going uninsured. This will have far-reaching consequences, both for individuals and the healthcare system as a whole. Policymakers must act swiftly to find a solution and ensure affordable access to healthcare for all.