Priced Out of Health Insurance? Here’s Where You Can See a Doctor
By Zaneta Lowe, WREG Investigators
Posted: February 5, 2026 | Updated: February 5, 2026
Memphis, Tenn.— With fewer Americans enrolling in health insurance plans through healthcare.gov for 2026, many are facing steep premium hikes or going without coverage altogether. The latest data reveals a decline of approximately 1.1 million people in Marketplace enrollments compared to last year, raising concerns about access to affordable care.
Dennis Cupp, a small business owner in Memphis, shared his struggle after enhanced tax credits that had previously subsidized Marketplace insurance premiums were not extended by Congress. "I was resolved with the fact that we’re just going to go without insurance," Cupp told WREG late last year.
As the deadline approached for Congressional action, uncertainty loomed over whether modest to moderate-income individuals would continue to receive financial assistance to afford health plans. When the extended subsidies failed to pass, Cupp’s options appeared limited.
Fortunately, Cupp’s situation improved unexpectedly. “My wife had taken a new job, and it came with group insurance. Literally down to the 11th hour, we got the approval to be on the plan on the last day you could sign up, December 30th,” he explained. Despite his relief, Cupp expressed sympathy for the millions still facing unaffordable prices.
The impact of lost subsidies is significant. Cupp recounted that his monthly premium skyrocketed from $608 to $2,100 without the tax credits, a dramatic and prohibitive increase. Insurance agent Chuck Hudspeth echoed this trend, noting that not only those who lost subsidy eligibility but also low-income clients still qualifying for assistance saw sharp premium hikes.
“I have clients whose premiums increased from about $80 to over $350 a month,” Hudspeth shared. While he’s helped some find cheaper plans, these often come with high deductibles—in one case jumping from zero to $7,500—which can pose financial difficulties if unexpected health issues arise.
Unfortunately, the premium surges are forcing some individuals to forgo insurance altogether. “I will probably start getting cancellation notices because when those large premiums come in, not everybody can pay them,” Hudspeth said.
Where to Turn Without Insurance
For those unable to afford insurance or who have dropped coverage, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) like Christ Community Health Services offer an alternative. These centers provide care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.
Dr. Reginique Green, Chief Clinical Officer at Christ Community, confirms rising demand from uninsured or underinsured patients since the loss of enhanced tax credits. “We are seeing more patients who do not have insurance or feel underinsured,” she said.
Emergency rooms have become the default in many cases, as uninsured patients delay care or try to stretch their limited resources. Dr. Green warned about the dangers of skipping routine preventive services and medications, especially given the high prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension in the community.
“My biggest concern is that preventable illnesses and disease progression go untreated, leading to poor outcomes and needless deaths,” Dr. Green emphasized.
Medication Assistance Options
Patients without insurance who struggle to pay for medications can also turn to Christ Community Health Services, which operates pharmacies offering affordable prescriptions. Additionally, four local hospitals participate in the Dispensary of Hope program, providing low-cost medications to those in need.
The Call for Congressional Action
With ongoing debates in Congress about whether to reinstate the enhanced subsidies, the uncertainty remains. Dennis Cupp delivered a plea to lawmakers, who hold the fate of healthcare affordability in their hands.
“People are going to skip their medicines and they’re going to die,” Cupp stated soberly. “Get off your rear and take care of your constituents. We’re out here making hard decisions while you set up there in D.C. on healthcare that I’m paying for with my tax dollars.”
As millions wrestle with heightened costs or lack of coverage, community health centers stand as critical lifelines, providing vital services to some of the most vulnerable populations in Memphis and beyond.
For more information on Federally Qualified Health Centers, medication assistance programs, or affordable care options in Memphis, visit Christ Community Health Services or search for local health centers through the Find a Health Center tool.
If you or someone you know is struggling with healthcare costs, local resources and assistance programs may be available—don’t hesitate to reach out for help.