Robert and Emily Sory are a couple who live in Thompson Station, Tennessee, and are passionate about animals. They are starting an animal sanctuary at their home, which is currently home to a variety of animals, including a blind raccoon, Russian foxes, African porcupines, emus, bobcats, and goats. However, despite their love for animals, the Sorys are facing a difficult decision regarding their own health insurance. In 2026, they will no longer have health insurance, as the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced subsidies are expiring, and they cannot afford the new premium costs.
Robert had previously been covered through a marketplace plan subsidized by the Affordable Care Act, but when he looked up the rates for 2026, he found that even a basic “Bronze” plan would cost him at least $70 a month. With no income coming in, he decided to forgo coverage altogether. Emily, who lost her job and insurance in November, is also facing the same challenge. She has costly health conditions and has already accumulated significant medical debt.
The Sorys are not alone in their situation. An estimated 4.8 million people are expected to lose their health insurance in 2026 due to the expiration of the enhanced subsidies. Many of them, like the Sorys, are looking for alternative ways to access medical care. The Sorys have met with their psychiatrist, who has agreed to charge them $125 per visit, and they are hoping to go every three months to keep their prescriptions current.
Hospitals and clinics are also preparing for the influx of newly uninsured patients. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) like the Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center in Nashville offer lower-cost care on a sliding scale, and some have on-site pharmacies that provide free prescription medications to those in need. The Dispensary of Hope, a Nashville-based nonprofit, partners with FQHCs and hospital pharmacies to provide free medications to people without insurance who have annual incomes under 300% of the federal poverty limit.
However, the demand for these services is expected to outstrip supply in the new year. Ten states, including Tennessee, have not expanded Medicaid to cover low-income adults, leaving a significant gap in coverage. The impact of this gap is expected to be most acute in states that have not expanded Medicaid, with uninsured rates expected to jump by as much as 65% in Mississippi and 50% in South Carolina.
The Sorys are aware of the challenges they will face without health insurance, but they are trying to stay positive and focus on their animal sanctuary. Emily, who has experience in healthcare staffing, understands the system and feels bad about not being able to pay her medical bills. However, she simply cannot afford it. The Sorys’ story highlights the difficulties faced by many Americans who are struggling to access affordable healthcare, and the need for a more comprehensive and sustainable solution to the country’s healthcare crisis.