As enhanced ACA subsidies expired at the end of 2025, health insurance premiums for those aged 60-64 have more than tripled, creating a "Dead Zone" before Medicare eligibility. Independent workers face unsustainable costs, often exceeding $900 monthly, forcing budget cuts and healthcare rationing. This leads to a mass exit from the Marketplace, destabilizing the insurance pool and causing a "death spiral" of rising premiums and reduced coverage options.
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