Trump team offers its answer to rising premium costs: catastrophic coverage with $27,000 out-of-pocket [View all]

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/health-care/article314709824.html

Trump team offers its answer to rising premium costs: catastrophic coverage
By Julie Appleby | KFF Health News
February 15, 2026 12:54 PM

The Trump administration has unveiled a sweeping set of regulatory proposals that would substantially change health plan offerings on the Affordable Care Act marketplace next year, aiming, it says, to provide more choice and lower premiums. But it also proposes sharply raising some annual out-of-pocket costs — to more than $27,000 for one type of coverage — and could cause up to 2 million people to drop insurance.

The changes come as affordability is a key concern for many Americans, some of whom are struggling to pay their ACA premiums since enhanced subsidies expired at the end of last year. Initial enrollment numbers for this year fell by more than 1 million.

Health care coverage and affordability have become politically potent issues in the run-up to November’s midterm elections.

The proposed changes are part of a lengthy rule that addresses a broad swath of standards, including benefit packages, out-of-pocket costs, and health care provider networks. Insurers refer to these standards when setting premium rates for the coming year. After a comment period, the rule will be finalized this spring.

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