Eagle County, Colorado – Health insurance premiums are skyrocketing for many Americans, with some facing increases as high as 150% as of January 1, 2026, and the January 15 deadline for February 1 coverage through Connect for Health Colorado looms.
Sticker Shock and Difficult Choices
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Many families are grappling with unaffordable premiums despite the guarantee of coverage for pre-existing conditions.
- Premiums have increased dramatically due to the failure of Congress to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits.
- Families with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable, facing premiums exceeding $50,000 annually.
- Local economies may suffer as individuals and businesses adjust to higher healthcare costs.
- Connect for Health Colorado remains the primary resource for financial assistance.
The reality of these soaring costs is hitting home for small business owners, self-employed individuals, and others who don’t receive insurance through their employers, according to Bethe Wright, owner of The Wright Insurance Co. in Eagle. Despite the substantial increases—with some premiums nearly tripling—a surprisingly small number of her 800+ clients have canceled their policies, though Wright notes a growing number are reconsidering their options.
“One scenario is I have an unhealthy kid, or someone in our family’s unhealthy; we can’t not have the coverage, so we’ll pay whatever because we have to do it,” Wright said. “That’s the sad scenario that I’m hearing.”
The Root of the Problem: Tax Credit Expiration
The dramatic price hikes stem from Congress’s failure to extend premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act. While premiums have jumped as much as 150% in some areas of the state, the ACA’s guarantee of coverage for pre-existing conditions means many families simply cannot afford to go without insurance, even with annual premiums potentially reaching $50,000.
“There are people that have autoimmune (disorders) that are on these $6,000 drugs per month. There’s a lot of mental health stuff going on, and those people cannot afford to not have coverage,” Wright explained. “And there’s a hell of a lot of cancer in this valley… everywhere really.”
Caroline Leonardo, a small business owner in Edwards, shared her experience. Her premium increased from $1,000 per month last year for her husband and two children to $2,400 per month without the ACA credits, and her children were dropped from the plan. After a week of searching, she found a policy for around $1,000 a month with lower deductibles, but the company failed to provide a written policy. Attempts to cancel were met with resistance and a demand for proof of alternative coverage.
“Short story, there are some dishonest folks trying to scam people right now,” Leonardo said. “I’m right back where I started with Anthem, only it’s a 140% increase after spending a lot of time looking for something else. I did consider not doing it but I’m a cancer survivor.”
Leonardo emphasized the value of the ACA tax credits, acknowledging that they were collectively funded through taxes but now represent a significant financial burden. “I considered cancelling my policy but then realized we’re trapped,” she said. “We need to have the protection in case we were to get sick or something were to happen.”
Ripple Effects on the Economy
Wright anticipates broader economic consequences, even for those with employer-sponsored insurance. She illustrated this with a hypothetical example: a family of four with a gross income of $130,000 could see their health insurance costs consume $44,000 of that income next year, a necessity due to pre-existing health conditions. This financial strain could lead to price increases across various sectors.
“So the hairstylist is going to raise their rates, and the electrician is going to raise their rates,” Wright said. “Or let’s say I own a boutique in Beaver Creek. Well, I’m going to raise my prices.”
While some younger, healthier individuals may risk going without insurance, potentially facing thousands in medical bills for common injuries like ski accidents, Wright believes many of her clients have no choice. With premiums now comparable to monthly mortgage payments in a high-cost area, the shrinking risk pool could further drive up rates for everyone.
“People are going to have to make the choice between rent or their health insurance premium, or food on the table or their health insurance premium, because of how unaffordable (premiums are) going to get,” said Mannat Singh, executive director of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative. “They’re going to be at risk of needing care and not having coverage for it, and then having an even worse financial situation.”
Vail Health President and CEO Will Cook acknowledged the potential for an increase in uninsured patients, stating that the organization has prepared accordingly. He underscored the importance of preventative care and annual visits, while noting that the emergency department is reserved for emergencies. Cook also highlighted the financial pressures facing healthcare systems, with Vail Health’s reimbursement rate increasing by less than 1% while expenses rose 4.5% in 2025.
Resources and a Glimmer of Hope
Connect for Health Colorado remains the sole avenue for Coloradans to receive financial assistance with their premiums, with approximately 65% of customers qualifying for help. Registrations are currently slightly ahead of last year’s pace.
Individuals can explore their options on the Connect for Health Colorado website by the January 15 deadline. There is a possibility, though slim, that Congress may act to extend the ACA credits, potentially retroactively, according to reports.
Wright encourages individuals to thoroughly investigate all available options or to contact her directly at [email protected] for assistance. (The Wright Insurance Co. does not charge a fee for insurance consultations.)
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