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Why Marketplace Prices Have Shot Up
The primary driver behind the 2026 price surge is the expiration of federal premium tax credit enhancements. For the past several years, expanded subsidies made marketplace plans affordable for a wider range of income levels. With those enhancements gone, the net price paid by consumers has jumped significantly…in some cases, more than 10X the post-2020 price. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that when insurance becomes less affordable, women are often the first in a household to sacrifice their own medical needs to cover other family expenses.
Beyond the loss of subsidies, insurers have raised premiums due to the rising cost of medical labor and pharmaceutical innovations. Specifically, the high demand for specialty medications, including GLP-1 agonists and new biologics, has forced insurers to adjust rates upward to cover these expenditures. Marla Ahlgrimm emphasizes that while medical advancements are positive, the financial ripple effects often hit the consumer's wallet the hardest.
The Impact on Preventive Care
Rising premiums often lead to higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, which can deter women from seeking preventive screenings. Under the ACA, many preventive services like mammograms and cervical cancer screenings are covered without cost-sharing. However, if a woman cannot afford the monthly premium to maintain her plan, she loses access to these so-called no-cost services entirely. Marla Ahlgrimm has long advocated for early detection, noting that skipping a routine screening due to cost can lead to much more expensive and dangerous health issues later on.
When insurance costs spike, research shows that women are more likely than men to delay or skip medical care. Marla Ahlgrimm points out that this delay in care can be particularly detrimental for managing chronic conditions like thyroid disorders or hormonal imbalances. Without regular monitoring and affordable access to prescriptions, these manageable conditions can escalate into health crises.
Navigating the Costs of Reproductive Health
Reproductive health and hormone management are areas where women face unique financial pressures. Marla Ahlgrimm, a pioneer in women’s pharmacy, explains that customized therapies and hormone testing are essential for many women to maintain their quality of life. As marketplace prices rise, women may find that their plans have narrower networks or more restrictions, making it harder to access the specific providers and treatments they need.
According to Marla Ahlgrimm, the stress of financial instability itself can have a negative impact on a woman’s hormonal health. Increased cortisol levels from financial strain can exacerbate symptoms of PMS and menopause. Therefore, the hike in healthcare prices creates a double burden: the loss of affordable care and the physical toll of the resulting stress.
Proactive Steps for Women
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