Here & Now Anytime What to know about open enrollment with premiums set to rise
Oct 31, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, health economist Katherine Baicker of the University of Chicago explains the intricacies of the Affordable Care Act and the looming crisis of rising premiums due to expiring subsidies. Emilie Fauché, an ACA navigator, provides practical enrollment advice and highlights options for affordable medications, while Hannah Frigand shares insights on managing high-deductible plans and the critical role insurance plays in protecting against financial ruin. Together, they tackle listener questions and encourage taking informed action during open enrollment.
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ACA Dramatically Reduced Uninsured Rate
- The ACA cut the uninsured rate roughly in half since enactment and added protections like allowing young adults to stay on parental plans until 26.
- It also expanded Medicaid and created exchanges for individuals to buy coverage with subsidies for low-income people.
Marketplace Premiums Facing Big Increases
- Premiums on marketplace plans are rising significantly for next year, with previews showing jumps up to about 30% in some places.
- Political debate over subsidy extensions and the government shutdown threatens to further raise costs if subsidies expire at year-end.
Coverage Success, Cost Problem Remains
- Katherine Baicker says the ACA succeeded at expanding coverage but did little to lower overall health care spending.
- Rising premiums reflect high underlying health care costs across employer and public programs, not solely marketplace design.