Becky Roberts grew up with full medical coverage.
But by 25, she had aged out of her parents’ plan and went years without insurance.
Five years ago, at age 51, Roberts enrolled through the Affordable Care Act.
The program helped her get surgery for a dislocated hip, and saved her from blindness caused by diabetes and complications from a spine curvature.
With the insurance, she’s been able to lose more than 100 pounds.
Roberts said that’s why she knows how essential health coverage is.
Now, hearing that the tax credits could expire by the end of the year if Congress doesn’t renew them, Roberts worried that others in Hampton Roads like her will lose the coverage that once saved her life.
“I don’t mind paying into it. I’m happy to pay into it. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to pay,” Roberts said. “But I just don’t think it’s right or it’s fair to be put in a position where you’re going to die because you can’t afford insurance and your employer doesn’t offer it.”
Nearly 9 in 10 Virginians who buy coverage through the Affordable Care Act receive subsidies, according to Emma Wager, senior policy analyst at KFF, a healthcare policy research group.
Research shows without them, premiums could more than double next year — costing families about a thousand dollars more on average.
“Some insurers in the individual market are already charging much higher premiums for next year because they have seen this coming,” Wager said.
She said many people who can’t afford the rising rates will likely drop their coverage and become uninsured, or be forced to switch jobs just to get employer-sponsored insurance.
“People who will be significantly impacted are people who are lower income, who potentially are self-employed or have small businesses,” Wager said.
Alison Flowers of Hampton was planning to buy a house, but with her insurance bill expected to rise by more than $900 monthly next year if the tax credits expire, she said she’ll have to reconsider everything.
“It’s vital to people’s health,” Flowers said. “If folks don’t think it’s going to affect them, it will. It’s going to affect everybody.”
The enrollment period for Affordable Care Medicare runs from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15, giving Virginians nearly two months to review their options and renew coverage before new rates take effect.
Gaylene Kanoyton is the founder of Celebrate Healthcare, a local advocacy group that helps residents enroll in plans. She said she doubts the program will expire but is prepared to help families find alternatives if it does.
“Health insurance is not political. Healthcare is not political,” Kanoyton said. “If it expires, the legislators and administration will have to come together to figure out how they are going to fund the Medicaid program to ensure everyone’s healthcare is protected.”
Kanoyton said many people don’t realize they can use the Virginia Insurance Marketplace to get help comparing and choosing plans.
She said those who lose their jobs can apply for special enrollment at any time, and many may qualify for Affordable Care Act coverage for as little as $50 to $100 a month or even Medicaid.
