Why cheap health insurance plans can backfire for Americans seeking lower healthcare costs

Healthcare costs are a major concern for Americans, and health insurance premiums are a primary fuel for that anxiety. Shrinking federal subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans led to large premium increases for millions of Americans in 2025, causing many people to drop coverage. With premiums expected to rise further and Medicaid work requirements set to begin in January 2027, many Americans are left scrambling for affordable options. We are health economists who study public policies aim...