Pennsylvanians Face Rising ACA Premiums, weigh Difficult Choices
HARRISBURG, PA – As open enrollment for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans begins, many Pennsylvanians are bracing for significant premium increases, forcing difficult financial decisions and a reevaluation of healthcare coverage options.
For individuals like Sarah McCausland, a Pennsylvania resident earning $50,000 annually, the prospect of rising costs is particularly acute. She anticipates a monthly premium of $275 to maintain her current bronze-level insurance plan next year, a figure that will require considerable adjustments to her budget.
“This is the most amount of money I’ve made in a very long time, steadily,” McCausland said, “and I still save no money.And I don’t even live that crazily. I don’t even have Wi-Fi. I cut that out when I got the first notice that ‘Your health insurance might go up.'”
To cope with the increased expense, McCausland is exploring multiple options, including taking on a second job, selling personal belongings, and considering a roommate. “It’s just that the $275, that means groceries I’m not going to spend as much money on. And that means other people are making harder decisions,” she explained.
McCausland is not alone in facing these challenges. Many Pennsylvanians who previously qualified for premium tax credits may no longer be eligible, leaving them to bear the full cost of coverage.
Having previously gone uninsured after graduating with a film and media degree and working in freelance and part-time positions, McCausland acknowledges the risks of forgoing coverage. However, she notes that the potential consequences feel more significant with age and increasing healthcare needs.
“I did just walk around like, ‘Well that’s what poor artists do, it’s how it’s always been,'” she said. “The older I get, the less being uninsured is like, ‘Whatever man, I’ll make it work’ or ‘I have credit cards.’ You just start to think about five years down the line.”
McCausland is also considering a catastrophic health plan, which features lower monthly premiums but considerably higher deductibles – possibly exceeding $10,000 before coverage fully activates – and increased risk of medical debt. These plans do cover preventative health services and major medical events.
the situation remains fluid, as Congress could potentially extend health subsidies or enact other measures to mitigate rising costs.though, for now, mccausland emphasizes the need for collective action and increased awareness.
“I just feel like the only hope is that more people are pissed and passionate,” she said.
