As health insurance premiums for next year rise and threaten to push hundreds of thousands of Mississippians off plans, a “perfect storm” is brewing that could steer people towards riskier coverage options, experts warn.

About 200,000 Mississippians are expected to drop their Affordable Care Act Marketplace coverage if Congress does not vote to extend the enhanced premium tax credits that make coverage more affordable for over 22 million Americans. Mississippi is expected to see one of the steepest dropoffs in health coverage among all states.

People who are seeking affordable coverage options may be drawn to plans that “walk and talk” like traditional health insurance, but don’t have to follow ACA rules, local and national experts told Mississippi Today. These alternatives — including s

See Full Page