FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Millions of Californians are starting the new year with higher health insurance premiums.<\/p>\n
As the clock struck midnight, pandemic-era subsidies that lowered monthly costs expired.<\/p>\n
“It’s so important that people take the time to understand how this will impact themselves, their families,” Covered California’s Executive Director, Jessica Altman, told Action News in December.<\/p>\n
Congress left Washington, D.C., for the holidays without extending the tax credits.<\/p>\n
“We have some money from the state budget that we’re using to mitigate some of this impact, though it’s not enough money to fully fill the hole,” Altman said.<\/p>\n
Viewers have written to Action News about their rising premiums.<\/p>\n
“Mine is going from $532 to $1,296,” one man wrote.<\/p>\n
Another viewer said she already pays $854 for herself and her daughter.<\/p>\n
A local woman said Blue Shield for herself and two kids costs $1,300 a month. It does not include vision or dental.<\/p>\n
As premiums go up in our health insurance – Covered California, Medi-Cal – we will be seeing an increase in our ERs,” Fresno County Health Educator Leticia Berber told Action News this week.<\/p>\n
Public health officials are now bracing because, they say, as people are priced out and become uninsured, they will turn to the hospital for routine care.<\/p>\n
“Individuals think that the doctor will see them right then and there and provide them (with) the prescription and provide them (with) what they need,” Berber said.<\/p>\n
But Valley hospitals are already slammed, dealing with an increase in flu-like illnesses.<\/p>\n
The uninsured are now urged to leave the ER for life-threatening injuries and instead look to local clinics.<\/p>\n
“They will be able to help you on a sliding fee scale or be able to help you on a payment scale,” Berber said. “Call your local health clinic before going to the ER if it’s not an emergency situation.”<\/p>\n
Covered California’s open enrollment remains available through January 31, with some plans taking effect as soon as February.<\/p>\n
“This is the window that Californians have to explore their options to see what costs are and, hopefully, to enroll in coverage,” Altman said.<\/p>\n
For news updates, follow Gabe Ferris on Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a> and Instagram.<\/a><\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2026 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n