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EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) - More than 24 million Americans receive health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, and over 90 percent of enrollees get federal tax credits to help lower costs. As the government shutdown continues, many Wisconsinites may face higher prices. “It’s really important for people to think very carefully about what their families need from their coverage because prices across the board are going to go up for 2026,” Reba Rice, the Chief Community Officer with Northlakes Community Clinic, said. As open enrollment begins, Wisconsinites might be surprised to see higher costs. Those prices could especially go up for low-income families if lawmakers don’t extend federal subsidies that cut their costs. In the meantime, local leaders are emphasizing the importance of health insurance. “We recognize they’re having to choose one thing over another and sometimes healthcare insurance is something that gets dropped,” Rice said. “But because you don’t know what’s going to happen and because healthcare costs are so expensive, it really is important as a way to protect yourself financially.” The Eau Claire City-County Health Department estimates that around eight percent of residents in Eau Claire County are uninsured, and around 11 percent of the county is covered by Medicaid. The health department said around six percent of the county is enrolled in a marketplace plan. Rice said the concern is that people may not get the care they need if they can’t afford it. “There are big concerns that people are going to put off care if they don’t have insurance, and so one of the most important messages is that you don’t have to do this alone,” Rice said. “You do have access to services. Staying engaged in care is the most important thing. It will absolutely save money in the long run.” That’s why organizations like Northlakes Community Clinic are encouraging people to look at the options right away. “They don’t need to go through open enrollment by themselves,” Rice said. “There are lots of people who can help them navigate the system, and they have lots of choices on the marketplace.” Rice said ultimately the goal is that everyone in the Chippewa Valley has the coverage they need to get the care they need. Rice said staff at Northlakes Community Clinic are happy to help anyone who is having a hard time navigating their options. There are also resources through Wiscovered, healthcare.gov, and Covering Wisconsin.
