U.S. health insurance premiums rise 9% as uninsured numbers climb, while telehealth firms explore GLP-1 drugs for addiction
A new survey shows U.S. health insurance premiums increased by 9%, pushing more working‑age adults without coverage in 2026. The rise in costs coincides with a growth in the number of people lacking insurance.
Half of those surveyed who are uninsured reported skipping needed medical care because they could not afford it, highlighting a widening access gap.
At the same time, telehealth companies are beginning trials of GLP-1 medications for alcohol use disorder, despite the FDA not yet approving such use. Experts see potential for these drugs to address a significant unmet need.
The report also notes criticism from CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz of a New York disability services program, underscoring broader concerns about health system affordability and accessibility.
This writeup was produced by pharmadog from original reporting by STAT.
Original headline: “Health insurance premiums jump 9%, and more Americans don’t have access to coverage”
read at STAT ↗
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