Health care is becoming a central economic issue in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections, as patients and medical professionals warn that the potential expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits could lead to higher insurance premiums and a rise in the number of uninsured Americans.
Damian Stephens, a 55-year-old personal trainer enrolled in an ACA plan, said his monthly premium recently doubled when he reviewed his options on the marketplace. He expressed concern about losing coverage entirely if federal subsidies expire.
“A bike with a squeaky wheel will still get you there — they just want to take the whole bike,” Stephens remarked during a panel discussion on Tuesday.
Physicians caution that hospitals may soon see an increase in uninsured patients arriving at emergency rooms with treatable conditions that have worsened due to lack of preventive care.
“It is tragic when somebody comes to the emergency room paralyzed from a stroke they should not have had,” said Dr. David Woolsey of Jackson Memorial Hospital.
The event was hosted by Democratic congressional candidate Robin Peguero, who warned that broader systemic costs could rise if more individuals are priced out of health coverage.
“All of our premiums are going to go up when folks are priced out of healthcare,” he stated.
Florida holds the highest number of ACA enrollees in the nation, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. In Florida’s 27th congressional district—represented by Republican María Elvira Salazar—a bipartisan bill has been introduced calling for an extension of the subsidies.
Residents continue to face mounting financial pressure from everyday expenses, pushing household budgets to their limits.
“The squeezing of everybody’s dollar has gotten to the point it won’t squeeze anymore,” Stephens said.
Jackson Health System’s CEO recently informed trustees that with 18% of its patients covered under ACA plans, the loss of subsidies could result in an annual financial shortfall of $100 million for the hospital network.
— news from WPLG Local 10