The Asclepius Initiative’s December 2025 newsletter looks at why rising health care costs and policy uncertainty are putting more Kentuckians at risk as we head into 2026.
Throughout 2025, Kentuckians told TAI that even with health insurance, getting care is often confusing and unaffordable. Many reported delaying or skipping care because of cost, and others shared how fear of losing coverage keeps them from changing jobs, going back to school, or retiring. These experiences point to deeper structural problems in how health care coverage works in the U.S.
At the same time, major policy decisions in Washington could make those challenges worse. With enhanced premium tax credits set to expire at the end of the year, Marketplace enrollees could face steep premium increases in 2026 if Congress does not act. Combined with rising costs across the system and ongoing threats to hospital stability in Kentucky, the stakes for families and communities are high.
This month’s newsletter also includes information about open enrollment for 2026 coverage and tools to help compare health plan options.
At The Asclepius Initiative, we’re working to ensure every Kentuckian has access to clear information today – and to build understanding and support for a health care system that provides stable, affordable coverage from birth until death.
Read more about what Kentuckians told us this year, and why TAI’s work matters more than ever, in our December 2025 newsletter.
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