A healthcare catastrophe

The Western Slope of Colorado faces a daunting healthcare affordability crisis as private insurance premiums for 2026 threaten to skyrocket.

Preliminary filings with the Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI) show rate increases nearing 40% for privately insured people on the Western Slope – far higher than recent years (5.6% in 2025, 9.7% in 2024,) and well above the statewide average of 28%.

These steep hikes stem largely from federal actions that will allow the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits (ePTCs) on Dec. 31. These are the subsidies many people depend on to make Affordable Care Act premiums affordable. This is a deliberate result of congressional inaction. According to the Colorado DOI, without these credits, insurers must raise rates to cover higher costs, and smaller, less competitive Western Slope markets will be hit the hardest.

At a recent presentation in Durango Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango, warned that individuals who have relied on ePTC subsidies should prepare for a significant increase in their monthly premium rates. She projected premium hikes of roughly 178% in La Plata County, 216% in Archuleta, 181% in Montezuma, and 143% in San Juan as federal cost-sharing support is withdrawn. For families and individuals in rural and mountain communities, these spikes could mean impossible choices. Insurers further estimate that nearly 100,000 Coloradans may lose coverage next year as premiums become unaffordable – losses that are expected to hit rural and mountain regions the hardest.

In addition to huge rate increases and subsidy cuts, policy changes in the Big Beautiful Bill Act complicate coverage renewals. There are restrictions on automatic Medicaid and ACA marketplace renewals, shortened enrollment windows, an increased number of eligibility checks and subsidy limits for lawfully present immigrants. Other factors contributing significantly to increased costs include tariffs on drugs and medical devices, and inflation.

This new law and additional rules all raise greater barriers to care. The administrative hurdles specifically have been shown to disrupt insurance coverage, pushing many toward being uninsured.

Colorado’s federal senators have called on Congress to extend premium tax credits and reverse Medicaid cuts, warning that letting supports expire sacrifices affordable care for working families in order to give tax breaks to the wealthy.

The premium surge also threatens our region’s fragile rural healthcare system. Local hospitals and clinics rely on insured patients for financial viability. This jeopardizes the very safety net that our community relies upon.

Health insurance affordability is not just policy – it’s a deeply human issue. If you are concerned about soaring premiums, act now, before November enrollment starts. Call our Rep.  Jeff Hurd, R-Colo., who voted yes on the BBBA and demand he work to restore ePTC subsidies and prevent devastating spikes that push more District 3 residents out of coverage.

Insist that our federal and state legislators protect families, seniors and workers from worsening healthcare costs. Let them know how this crisis affects your household, neighbors and local healthcare facilities. Tell them about your frustration with a system prioritizing insurance profits, ignoring inflated hospital executive pay and allowing pharmaceutical price gouging, over people’s health. Urge support for innovative and equitable solutions that make healthcare affordable for everyone and adequately supports healthcare providers, even in rural areas instead of enriching big healthcare corporate monopolies.

Your voice is powerful. When enough constituents demand change, elected officials are forced to listen and act. Call today – and as often as possible. Be clear and loud: insist on policies that put people’s lives before corporate profits. It’s time to disrupt healthcare and build a system that works for everyone.

If you need help finding a plan during these dire times, contact Connect for Health Colorado which operates as the official state health insurance marketplace, providing access to private plans and federal premium assistance. Go to their website and ask for assistance. The Colorado affordability initiative, The Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise (HIAE), provides payments and subsidies to carriers and eligible individuals.

– Jan Phillips, Durango