Open enrollment for Massachusetts’ health insurance marketplace starts Saturday and nearly 300,000 Bay Staters could see coverage costs soar next year as federal aid that kept premium costs down is set to expire.
Why it matters: The Massachusetts Health Connector says the projected hikes could push tens of thousands of people to drop coverage and go without insurance.
- Over 97% of Massachusetts residents are currently insured, the most of any state.
Driving the news: Increases could average more than $1,300 per year based on 2026 rates, per Health Connector officials.
- The Massachusetts marketplace began sending out final eligibility notices this month, showing huge spikes in 2026 premiums.
Yes, but: If Congress doesn’t extend the enhanced tax credits, out-of-pocket costs for premium payers could be even higher, depending on income and where a person lives.
What they’re saying: “This feels like it would be a real gut punch to working families across the state if this was to be rolled back,” advocacy group Health Care for All senior director Alex Sheff told Commonwealth Beacon this week…