LANSING — Michigan healthcare experts say looming increases in health insurance rates will lead to lower enrollment, adding pressure to the industry that is already struggling in rural areas.

Rates in the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace are set to rise an average of 20% in 2026, likely causing some forgo purchasing coverage.

“We cannot afford to do any more damage to what is already a fragile healthcare ecosystem in the state of Michigan,” said Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health and Hospital Association.

Healthcare providers are warning that increasing insurance premiums will likely create greater barriers to care, while also leaving medical providers with potentially difficult decisions.

“There are people that are on the healthier side that decide that they’re going to

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