As profits for the largest U.S. health insurers have surged, many Americans are finding that they are paying more for health insurance that offers less protection. Over the past decade, deductibles have increased by over 150%, and out-of-pocket maximums have risen significantly, from $12,700 in 2014 to $17,400 in 2021 for family coverage. These increases have outpaced wage growth and inflation, leaving many insured individuals struggling to afford necessary care. The ACA did implement out-of-pocket maximums for in-network care, but these limits have climbed each year, exacerbating financial burdens. For those who receive out-of-network care, costs can be even higher, with some plans offering little or no coverage. As a result, more than 40% of individuals in ACA marketplace plans and one-fourth of adults with employer-sponsored insurance are now considered underinsured. The financial strain of high deductibles and out-of-pocket costs often leads people to delay or avoid necessary medical treatment, contributing to a growing divide in healthcare access between those who can afford care and those who cannot.