AI search of "
anticipated health cost increases for Kentucky" ... reveals this.
I do not know if accurate, but if so, very alarming ...
Health costs for many Kentuckians are expected to increase substantially in 2026, with up to 100,000 individuals on the Kynect marketplace facing premium hikes of as much as 37% if federal tax credits are not extended. For those with a household income of $130,000, this could mean an annual premium increase of over $12,000. Without federal action, these increases could lead many to drop their insurance, potentially impacting the market and leading to further rate hikes across the board.
Specifics of the anticipated increases
- Individual premium increases: Nearly 100,000 Kentuckians on the state's Kynect marketplace could see their monthly premiums rise by up to 37% for 2026 coverage.
- Annual increases for specific scenarios:
- A family of four earning $130,000 per year could see an annual premium increase of over $12,000.
- A couple, each 60 years old and earning $85,000 annually, could face an increase of more than $24,000 per year.
- Impact on the insurance market: These significant cost hikes may cause some individuals to drop their health insurance, which could destabilize the market and lead to higher rates for everyone else.
- Broader implications: Some reports suggest that Medicaid cuts could lead to the closure of rural hospitals and a potential loss of coverage for some Kentuckians.
What is causing the increases?
- Expiration of tax credits: The primary driver is the expiration of enhanced tax credits and subsidies provided through the Affordable Care Act, which have helped keep premiums lower since the pandemic.
- Rising medical costs: Generally increasing medical costs also contribute to the higher premiums.
Kentuckians who purchase health insurance through the state marketplace (
kynect) should anticipate
significant premium increases, potentially up to
37% for 2026 coverage, if federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits are not extended by Congress.
Potential Premium Increases in Kentucky
For the nearly 100,000 Kentuckians currently using the kynect marketplace, the expiration of enhanced tax credits could result in substantial financial changes:
- Average Increase: Premiums for those receiving subsidies are expected to more than double on average if the tax credits expire.
- Maximum Increase: Some individuals and families may see premium hikes of up to 37%, which is reportedly ten times more than increases in recent years.
- Specific Examples (monthly increases):
- A family of three in Berea earning $50,000 annually could see an increase from $63 to $250.
- A 60-year-old in Hopkinsville earning $62,700 annually could see an increase from $444 to $933.
- A family of five in Louisville earning $65,900 annually could see an increase from $55 to $296.
Factors Driving the Increases
The anticipated cost increases are attributed to several factors:
- Expiration of Subsidies: The primary cause is the non-extension of enhanced premium tax credits established by the Inflation Reduction Act, which are set to expire at the end of 2025.
- Rising Healthcare Costs: General healthcare inflation, higher prescription drug costs (such as GLP-1 weight-loss drugs), and increased utilization of services are contributing to the rising unsubsidized premium rates across the country.
- Federal Policy Changes: The "One Big Beautiful Bill" Act has also been cited as a factor, leading to a shift of costs to state governments and potential instability in the marketplace.
Impact and Outlook
Advocates and state officials, including Governor Andy Beshear, are urging Congress to take action to extend these subsidies and prevent thousands of Kentuckians from becoming uninsured due to unaffordable costs. Without intervention, experts warn that the market could become unstable as healthier individuals leave the marketplace, further raising rates for those who remain.
Open enrollment for 2026 coverage on the kynect marketplace began on November 1, 2025. Consumers are advised to thoroughly assess their options during this period to find the most suitable coverage for their budget. More information on plans and enrollment is available through the Kentucky Department of Insurance website.
khbe.ky.gov
kynect.ky.gov
nypost.com
Totally not Sam.
