Lever Time Why Your Health Insurance Could Explode Next Year
Aug 21, 2025
In this discussion, Larry Levitt, Executive Vice President for Health Policy at KFF, and Miranda Yaver, an assistant professor specializing in health policy, dive into the alarming possibility of health insurance premiums skyrocketing by 66%. They dissect the political fallout from the expiration of ACA subsidies and the resulting financial strain on families, questioning whether these changes could boost support for Medicare for All. Their insights unpack how the complex U.S. healthcare system affects consumers and highlight potential policy solutions.
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Massive Premium Hikes Coming
- Insurers are requesting large premium increases, averaging about 15% and up to 66% in some regions.
- Kaiser data ties these hikes to rising costs and market uncertainty ahead of subsidy expiration.
Subsidy Expiration Threatens Affordability
- Biden-era enhanced ACA subsidies expire end of 2025 unless Congress extends them.
- Without extension, many middle-income families could lose subsidies and see premiums double.
Risk Pool Deterioration Drives Price Hikes
- Insurers cite higher care costs and the likely sicker risk pool if subsidies lapse as reasons for raising premiums.
- They warn healthier people will drop coverage, increasing average costs for remaining enrollees.
