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Massachusetts ranks first in the nation in health care coverage, including system performance, access, affordability, and quality. We also have the lowest uninsured rate in the country – 2.1% – according to the Center for Health Information and Analysis.
Greater access to healthcare produces better health outcomes.
Governor Maura Healey has announced that more than 10,000 people have already dropped their MassHealth Connector plans in anticipation of premium spikes if the Affordable Care Act is allowed to expire at the end of December.
According to Alex Sheff of Health Care for All, the biggest impact will be on about 26,000 residents making just over 400% of the federal poverty level, which is just over $60,000 a year for an individual. In addition, approximately 400,000 Massachusetts residents who currently receive some level of premium assistance through the ACA will see higher costs.
Congressman Stephen Lynch told WCVB that the change will be dramatic. A couple currently paying $5,000 a year for health coverage could see that cost rise to more than $20,000 in 2026 if the ACA is not extended. Without subsidies, he predicts many people will simply opt out of coverage.
Meanwhile, Trump’s so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” would leave millions of people without Medicaid coverage, placing additional strain on our health care system. Hospitals — especially rural hospitals — will be hit hardest, and many could be forced to close.
Asked about the potential loss of coverage, President Trump’s response was to suggest: “Take money from insurers, hand it to consumers and let them buy their healthcare.” He offered no explanation for how that would lower costs and told reporters, “Don’t make it sound so bad.”
In Congress, the Senate voted to reject extending ACA subsidies. The House passed a discharge petition to force a vote on ACA subsidies but that vote will not take place until January 6. Current subsidies expire on December 31.
