Northeast Ohioans who buy their own health insurance through the Affordable Care Act are facing steep price increases for 2026 coverage. The hikes are expected because Congress ended the federal government shutdown without extending enhanced subsidies that have kept marketplace plans more affordable since the pandemic.

Many independently-employed Northeast Ohioans who had previously received the subsidies report seeing their insurance quotes rise five to seven times what they paid last year.

A Thompson resident named Tim P. — a caregiver and freelance writer and editor who asked that we not use his full name for privacy concerns — said his premium is increasing by $300 to $900 a month with a $7,500 deductible.

“Honestly I'm debating not having insurance,” he said. “I'm 59, so that's not

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