Trumponomics The Other Insurance Cost Fueling the US Affordability Crisis
Dec 17, 2025
Join health policy reporter Rachel Cohrs Zhang and Bloomberg's Brooke Sutherland as they tackle the rising insurance costs impacting affordability across America. Rachel discusses the expiration of pandemic-era Obamacare subsidies, predicting significant premium hikes. Meanwhile, Brooke reveals why auto insurance rates are surging and how consumers are reacting with downgraded coverage. They also explore the broader economic implications, including potential effects on manufacturing demand and the upcoming midterm elections.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Subsidy Expiration Will Raise Premiums
- Temporary Obamacare subsidies massively increased marketplace enrollment during COVID-19.
- Their expiration will raise average premiums ~$1,000 per year and squeeze household budgets.
Higher Fixed Costs Could Shrink Coverage
- Many enrollees face an average annual increase of about $1,000, while some near-retirees could see much larger spikes.
- Higher fixed premiums may push healthy people to drop coverage, increasing costs for remaining enrollees.
Car Complexity Drives Premiums Up
- Rising auto repair costs from complex sensors and semiconductors have driven insurers' higher premiums.
- Consumers respond by downgrading coverage or raising deductibles, reducing claims and short-term costs.