Many in Monroe County confront difficult health insurance choices as ACA subsidies are about to end.

Health Insurance Concerns in Rochester as Federal Subsidies End

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Millions of Americans are facing tough choices about their health insurance thanks to the end of federal subsidies tied to the Affordable Care Act. This change, coupled with rising premiums, may leave many without coverage altogether.

In Monroe County alone, nearly 50,000 residents are enrolled in insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, meaning this shift will significantly impact them and many others.

Megan Flaherty, who is studying for an advanced certification in rehabilitation counseling at the University of Rochester while juggling two part-time jobs, is feeling the pressure. “I find extra work here and there. It’s like this hustle culture we have now… doing all the side jobs and doing what you can to make a living,” she says.

Flaherty relies on the state’s marketplace for health insurance, which offers ACA subsidies for those whose income exceeds Medicaid limits but who lack employer-provided insurance.

However, while exploring her options for the upcoming year, she felt a wave of anxiety. “It’s overwhelming when you think about adding $200, $300, $400 to your bill that month,” Flaherty admitted.

She’s part of a growing number of New Yorkers grappling with uncertainty as federal assistance comes to an end.

Marcia Gale shared with News10NBC that high-deductible plans on the Marketplace vary from $320 to $700 monthly.

Liana Johnston mentioned that her son’s premiums nearly doubled to $340 per month, marking it as the most affordable plan available in Monroe County.

Some are contemplating the risk of going uninsured. “The thought of being uninsured is scary because you never know what life will bring,” Flaherty expresses.

This financial reality is hitting many who don’t qualify for Medicaid. Experts are warning that the number of uninsured Americans is likely to rise.

“Unfortunately, that number is going to drop significantly,” notes Duncan Lyonman, a Medicare and Medicaid specialist at Empire State University.

This situation could have broader implications. “That means hospitals won’t get paid even though they’re seeing patients. So while it’s impacting hospitals, it’s also affecting the premiums that everyone pays,” Lyonman adds.

Flaherty is feeling the weight of the situation. “I’m definitely feeling a lot of stress right now with losing my health insurance and thinking about what I’m going to do,” she shared with News10NBC.