Healthcare Costs: A Heavy Burden on Massachusetts Families and Businesses

In Massachusetts, the cost of health insurance is becoming a major problem for many people and businesses. The prices keep going up, making it hard for families to afford basic needs. For example, one family had to increase their budget by $1, 000 just to meet their health insurance maximum. They are now carefully considering every purchase, like shoes and coats, to make ends meet. Businesses are also feeling the pinch. Many small businesses are struggling with rising healthcare costs. Some say they might have to close down within the next five years if things don't change. The state's insurance exchange reports that premiums will increase by an average of 11. 5 percent in 2026. This means that both families and businesses will have to pay more for healthcare. Experts say that healthcare costs in Massachusetts are among the highest in the country. Families spent an average of $32, 469 on healthcare coverage in 2024. This is much higher than the national average. The rising costs are making it difficult for people to afford other necessities. Employers are also facing challenges. Some are seeing premium increases of up to 30 percent. To manage these costs, employers are shifting more of the burden onto their employees. This means higher deductibles and co-pays for workers. Nearly half of Massachusetts residents with commercial insurance now have high deductible health plans. The situation is particularly tough for small businesses. Many are already struggling with flat profitability and rising energy costs. The additional burden of healthcare costs is pushing them to the brink. Some are considering selling or closing their businesses within the next five years. For individuals like Joe D’Eramo, the rising costs are a personal struggle. Joe, who is 61 and has recently been diagnosed with diabetes, is worried about how he will afford his increasing premiums and deductibles. He is counting down the years until he qualifies for Medicare, hoping to save more money then. The healthcare cost crisis in Massachusetts is not just about numbers. It's about real people and businesses struggling to make ends meet. The situation is critical, and without significant changes, the future looks uncertain for many.