Wisconsin Woman Prepares for Loss of Affordable Care Act Tax Credits

MADISON, Wis. — A woman from Wisconsin, who relies on health insurance provided by the Affordable Care Act, is bracing for the expiration of her tax credits next year.

“This is going to hurt our family,” Shana Verstegen, a fitness instructor and mother from Madison, shared with News 3 Now on Tuesday.

Raising a family, much like rolling a log, comes with its challenges. “We have two young boys, and I really don’t think it’s good for them to go without health insurance,” she added.

Now, Verstegen and her husband find themselves preparing for a significant increase in their healthcare costs.

“It’s really, really stacked up,” she expressed.

Once the enhanced tax credit runs out, they will have to budget an extra $2,500 annually.

“This impact on our family is substantial; we’ve already made so many cuts elsewhere, and with rising costs like groceries and childcare, it’s tough,” she noted.

For a family of four earning $130,000 annually, those enrolled in Obamacare in Dane County could see their premiums double and even triple in Barron County, according to remarks from Governor Tony Evers and the state’s Department of Insurance Commissioner.

“It’s crucial to mention that while our increase is significant, it pales in comparison to what many others face,” Verstegen added.

With determination, she visited the Capitol to discuss the implications of this situation with lawmakers from both parties.

This occurred prior to the government shutdown, but conversations about extending tax credits are expected to arise again.

“We feel ignored; it seems like the Democratic Party has given up on us,” Verstegen stated. “We have about a month to decide about our healthcare for next year and sort through our options for 2026, but the solutions being proposed don’t seem to be quick fixes.”

“If we cut back on some activities for the kids, my husband might need to look for a new job with better health benefits, but that’s not really what we want to do. We’ve been working hard for nearly 30 years, and it’s really unsettling to feel like we’re being penalized for our efforts by losing our insurance deductions,” she explained.

Local insurance agents have raised concerns that even healthy individuals might forgo health insurance if they can no longer access tax credits, thereby creating a riskier insurance pool. This situation could lead to higher rates for companies that depend on coverage.