SAN ANTONIO – According to a recent West Health-Gallup survey, 47% of U.S.residents said they’re worried they won’t be able to afford necessary health care this year.
That’s in large part due to the rising costs of health care for patients on both marketplace and employer-sponsored plans.
“The thought of having to pay more for my family of six is terrifying, overwhelming and exhausting,” Kassie Brandt said.
brandt and her family have healthcare insurance through her husband’s job, but its cost has outpaced their family’s income.
Employers estimated that health plan costs would increase as much as 9%, according to a Aug. 2025 Mercer survey.Even with attempts to reduce costs, the total cost is expected to rise 6.5%, the highest increase since 2010.
Brandt said that her premiums have increased by thousands since 2021, when her family paid nearly $18,000. This year, she received another increase.
“I got the email saying my insurance was going up,” Brandt said, “and that I needed to start getting ready for that.”
Those without employer-sponsored plans are facing even higher hikes due to the expiration of the Affordable Care Act subsidies.
Brownsville resident Ali
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