“I had one client that went from $1.58 to $2,100,” said April Vasquez, a benefits consultant with McCrann Insurance.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Thursday marked the final day to enroll in Affordable Care Act health insurance plans for the new year.

But for many, enrollment came with a case of sticker shock as premiums climbed sharply.

Representatives from a local insurance company told 3News that while some people are renewing their plans, they are also seeing a high number of cancellations — meaning many are choosing to go without coverage this year.

“I had one client that went from $1.58 to $2,100,” said April Vasquez, a benefits consultant with McCrann Insurance, describing the tough decisions clients are facing as ACA premiums rise.

She says government policies and plan structures are playing a role.

“Government and legislation — has caused and made all these changes. Also when it comes to these plans, some of them are affordable but unfortunately are high-deductible plans,” Vasquez said.

It’s a reality many are having to navigate, including McKayla Pena, a cosmetologist. She says last year her premium with subsidies was $244 a month. Now, the lowest plan she could find was $300 — and that does not include her child.

“I could maybe justify it if my child was added onto it, but because it was just for myself, I feel as though it’s not really worth it,” Pena said.

Pena says that while her child’s health is important, so is the practicality of paying for care.

“I almost feel like it’s easier to pay out of pocket for certain things. This past year, me and my boyfriend didn’t even put our baby onto an insurance because we found that out-of-pocket costs were easier if we’re only going in for wellness checkups,” she said.

But Vasquez warns the growing number of uninsured residents in the Coastal Bend could have a ripple effect on the local health care system.

“Our prediction is that there will be an overflow of population in the hospitals this coming year due to they can’t afford health insurance, but they need to be seen whether it’s minor or major,” Vasquez said.

Pena recommends families speak with an insurance agent to determine what works best for them, but says the decision is far from simple.

“It’s hard because we’re figuring out where we’re going to find the money for this, or do we just go without or get hit with a larger medical bill later on,” she said.