Thousands of Kansas Citians getting health insurance through the ACA marketplace, also known as Obamacare, are weighing options for 2026 coverage. As open enrollment gets underway, many are learning they will face substantially higher costs.
In Kansas, a 60-year-old couple with $85,000 in income would see annual ACA costs jump 373% to $34,148 without enhanced tax credits, compared to $7,226 with them. A similar couple in Missouri would see costs climb 327% to $30,835, compared to $7,225 if the subsidies continue.
But the situation will likely be even more desperate for older adults who have the least income, said Amber Christ, managing director of health advocacy for Justice in Aging, a national advocacy group.
Even a small monthly increase in premium costs could be devastating for someone on a fixed income who is already struggling with the rising costs of food, rent and utilities.
“They have the least amount of resources to weather this, and are more likely to have chronic conditions and health care conditions that warrant health care coverage,” Christ said.
