The insurance coverage squeeze is reshaping healthcare

"Every year, open enrollment forces Americans to confront a familiar dilemma: Pay more for coverage that delivers less, or gamble on going without it. This year, that choice has become even starker. Employers are shifting more costs to workers, marketplace premiums are poised to rise, fewer prescription drugs are covered by insurance, and 3.8 million people could lose insurance annually if Affordable Care Act subsidies aren't extended."

"For decades, the U.S. healthcare model has been built on the assumption that insurance is the gateway to care. But when premiums and deductibles reach levels that rival a second mortgage, consumers start to ask a different question: What am I actually getting for this? Increasingly, the answer feels out of step with consumer expectations. High deductibles mean many people pay full price for most of their care anyway."

"Network limitations constrain choice. Surprise bills erode trust. And the complexity of benefits makes it nearly impossible to be an informed consumer. As a result, we're seeing a quiet but significant reorientation. Consumers are moving from a coverage-first mindset to a control-first mindset. They want to understand costs upfront. They want to choose where they go for treatment. They want"

Employers are shifting more costs to workers while marketplace premiums rise, fewer prescription drugs remain covered, and millions risk losing coverage if ACA subsidies are not extended. These combined forces create a structural break that will price many Americans out of insurance, with some choosing to pay out-of-pocket and others losing coverage involuntarily. High premiums and rising deductibles are driving consumers to prioritize control over coverage, seeking cost transparency, provider choice, and predictable expenses. Network limitations, surprise bills, and complex benefits undermine trust and informed decision-making. Healthcare organizations face profound consequences and must adapt to new consumer expectations around cost and access.

Read at Fast Company