As Open Enrollment Approaches, Michigan Families Face Uncertainty About Skyrocketing Health Care Costs

As open enrollment begins November 1st, thousands of Michigan families are facing unprecedented uncertainty about whether they'll be able to afford health insurance next year. With Congress threatening to let critical ACA tax credits expire, families across Michigan are bracing for premium increases that could exceed $700 per month—forcing impossible choices between healthcare coverage and other basic necessities.

"People are anxious, confused, and deserve answers from their representatives about what will happen to their healthcare costs," said Steve Lawson, Executive Director of Michigan Families for Fair Care. "Instead of providing reassurance and fighting to keep premiums affordable, Congressmen John James and Tom Barrett voted for legislation that would cut health care access and did nothing to address the tax credits expiring while delivering permanent tax cuts to billionaires. Michigan families shouldn't have to enter open enrollment wondering if they'll be able to afford insurance next year while their congressmen prioritize the ultra-wealthy."

Tens of thousands of Michiganders could see their health care premiums more than double if these tax credits expire, leaving working families scrambling to figure out how they'll afford coverage during the upcoming enrollment period. It has been one month since Congress took action, and we’ve been dealing with the impacts of the government shutdown since. Both Congressmen James and Barrett have refused to address their constituents' concerns about the looming healthcare crisis. The situation is particularly urgent as families must make enrollment decisions by mid-December.