Policyholders grapple with uncertainty as open enrollment for healthcare approaches

WEST VIRGINIA (WVNS) – Open enrollment for healthcare plans is fast approaching, but many Americans are faced with uncertainty regarding their coverage in the midst of the ongoing government shutdown.

With many federal programs still in a state of disruption, Americans may be going into open enrollment season with more questions than usual. Affordable Care Act plan holders are among those who could see substantial spikes in premium rates. Many plan holders have also expressed concerns about potential delays in approval and subsidies due to limited federal staffing.

Economists have said lower income residents stand to see the heaviest economic impact of anticipated changes to American healthcare.

“We can’t forget about what’s happening with the enhanced premium tax credits, that healthcare costs are going to go up because those are going to expire,” said Chief Economist with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Gbenga Ajilore. “So, you kind of put this all in the large bucket of – people with low and moderate-income families are struggling and this administration, this congress is not helping.”

Senator Tim Kaine said policyholders are already getting notices of impending premium increases. He said many are having to wrestle with the idea of giving up health coverage altogether.

“Healthcare clinics closing, people getting premium increase notices that are truly shocking, folks having to decide whether they can even afford to stay insured at all,” the senator said. “This is happening all over the country and people are seeing it.”

November 1st will mark the start of open enrollment. The enrollment window runs through January 15th in most states. Providers have encouraged customers to get an early start on comparing plans and considering their coverage options.