York County Couple Faces 221% Hike in Health Insurance Costs

Federal subsidy expiration leads to massive premium increases, forcing many to drop coverage

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tom and Carol Shaw, a retired couple from Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, are facing a staggering 221% increase in their health insurance premiums after the expiration of federal subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. The couple, who previously paid $1,090 per month for coverage, now face a monthly premium of $3,505 for the same plan, forcing them to make difficult budget cuts to their retirement plans.

Why it matters

The end of federal subsidies has led to a sharp rise in health insurance premiums across Pennsylvania, with the average increase in York County reaching 169%. This has prompted around 19% of previously insured residents in the county to drop their coverage, raising concerns about the impact on public health and healthcare costs as more people forgo preventive care and seek treatment later in the course of illnesses.

The details

When Tom Shaw retired in 2024, he was able to find affordable coverage through the state's health insurance exchange, Pennie. However, when it came time to renew their plan for 2026, the premium had skyrocketed from $1,090 to $3,505 per month, a 221% increase. The Shaws were forced to make difficult choices, with Tom considering dropping his own coverage to save money. They ultimately decided to keep the more expensive plan, but had to make cuts to their retirement budget to afford the higher costs.

  • In January 2025, Tom Shaw enrolled in a health plan through Pennie after leaving his job.
  • The Shaws' health insurance premium increased from $1,090 to $3,505 per month for 2026 coverage.
  • The enrollment period for 2026 ACA coverage in Pennsylvania ended on January 31, 2026.

The players

Tom Shaw

A 63-year-old retired man who previously worked for Capitol Blue Cross and is now facing a massive increase in his health insurance costs.

Carol Shaw

Tom's 63-year-old wife, who teaches project management part-time at Harrisburg University and relies on the couple's health insurance plan.

Pennie

The health insurance exchange run by the state of Pennsylvania, where the Shaws purchased their coverage.

WellSpan Health

A healthcare provider in Pennsylvania that is concerned about the impact of rising uninsured rates on public health and healthcare costs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We thought that was high.”

— Carol Shaw (therecordherald.com)

“It came down to having to choose between a bad option and a bad option, or multiple bad options.”

— Tom Shaw (therecordherald.com)

“We're fortunate; we can afford it. I really feel for people who can't, people who have to make the choice between paying the rent and buying groceries or paying for health insurance. It has to be frustrating for people: Do I get food or do I get medicine?”

— Carol Shaw (therecordherald.com)

What’s next

The Shaws will need to continue monitoring their health insurance options and costs as they approach eligibility for Medicare in a couple of years.

The takeaway

The expiration of federal subsidies under the Affordable Care Act has led to a dramatic increase in health insurance premiums in Pennsylvania, forcing many residents to drop their coverage and raising concerns about the impact on public health and healthcare costs as more people forgo preventive care.