As conversations about the 2026 midterm elections begin to take shape, one issue keeps rising to the top: health care costs. For many families, political rhetoric or party labels aren’t what matters. What DOES matter is being able to pay for medical care now and into the future.

A recent poll from KFF shows that concern about health care costs now outweighs worries about food, housing, and utilities for most adults. These worries are valid. Even people with insurance feel the strain as premiums and out-of-pocket costs take up more of their household budgets. When care becomes more expensive, people may delay or skip appointments, stretch medications, or receive care they cannot afford, which can cause stress and financial strain.

What makes this moment unusual is that rising costs are not confined to one type of coverage. Whether people get insurance through a job, a public program like Medicare or Medicaid, or through the Marketplace, many are seeing higher costs, fewer affordable options, or loss of coverage altogether.

This lack of control and unpredictability over coverage are frightening and will likely have a significant impact in the 2026 elections.

Health Care Coverage Literacy Spotlight

Health care coverage is something everyone needs, but very few are ever taught how it actually works. Beyond being asked to show proof of insurance at the doctor’s office and expecting a bill, the details of how coverage operates are largely a mystery to most.

To help get back to the basics, TAI has created a new resource that explains what health care coverage is meant to do and why it’s important. It walks through how coverage should protect your health and your finances, and why having coverage does not always mean care is affordable or easy to access.

Our explainer defines common terms and rules, such as deductibles, networks, and cost-sharing, that shape how much people pay and when and where they can get care. Starting with the fundamentals can make it easier to understand the system and ask informed questions.

If health care coverage has ever felt overwhelming, this is a good place to begin.

Have more questions about understanding your health care coverage? Click here to view our free educational resources.

Medicaid Changes Coming This Year

Major changes to Medicaid coverage start this year as a result of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” and many people are unsure how, or if, this legislation will affect their access to care. To help make sense of what’s happening, TAI has created a webinar on Medicaid coverage, eligibility, what’s changing, and the impact on Kentuckians and their providers.



In this webinar, we break down new cost-sharing and work requirements, changes to eligibility and renewals, and how these policies may create new barriers to care for people who rely on Medicaid. 

If you or a family member is enrolled in Medicaid or may need it in the future, this video offers clear, practical information to help you understand what’s ahead.

The Medicaid webinar is part of our growing video library, which includes more video resources to help you better understand health care coverage.

Follow The Asclepius Initiative on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and BlueSky to stay informed about developments in health care coverage, education, and reform. We share tips to help you navigate your health care coverage, updates on our work, and opportunities to get involved in creating a healthier future for Kentuckians. Don’t miss out – connect with us today!

The Asclepius Initiative is part of Kroger’s Community Rewards program. Select TAI as the charity of choice and a portion of your receipt will be donated to TAI each time your Kroger Plus Card is used. Signing up is quick and only has to be done once.

1. Go to KrogerCommunityRewards.com

2. Sign into using current login information or the number on the back of the card

3. Select TAI as the organization: search for us by name or by using our code, DG163

Help us continue to provide you with relevant and up-to-date health care coverage information.