The debate over health care has once again taken center stage in Washington as the government shutdown continues, leaving millions uncertain about what comes next for coverage and costs.
The Asclepius Initiative’s November 2025 newsletter examines how this political standoff and rising health care costs are shaping access to care for Kentuckians.
Even with one of the lowest uninsured rates in the country, Kentucky continues to rank near the bottom for overall health. New research from The Asclepius Initiative, funded by The Commonwealth Fund, shows why. In interviews across the state, Kentuckians shared stories of long waits for appointments, high out-of-pocket costs, and the difficult choices they face between paying for care and meeting other basic needs.
At the same time, the political fight in Washington over health care funding threatens to make things worse. If Congress fails to extend enhanced premium tax credits by the end of the year, Marketplace premiums could more than double in 2026. People with coverage through their job aren’t immune either; employers are expecting their costs to rise by nearly 9%, the biggest jump in years.
These challenges highlight the growing instability of our health care system. At The Asclepius Initiative, we’re working to make sure every Kentuckian has access to affordable, reliable care from birth until death.
Read more about what Kentuckians told us, and what’s at stake for 2026, in our November 2025 newsletter.
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