Health Insurance Gets Pricier
Even a best-case scenario could leave a quarter of a million Tarrant County residents potentially looking at higher premiums.
BY MARK HENRICKS
A quarter of a million Tarrant County residents could face bills of hundreds of dollars more per month for health insurance next year.
METROPOLIS
Congressional reluctance to extend COVID-era tax credits for people covered by Obamacare policies under the Affordable Care Act has driven the price hike. Even if lawmakers eventually vote to keep the credits, insurance companies have already raised 2026 premiums to compensate for the expected impact of millions of healthy people dropping their suddenly more expensive Obamacare plans.
Percentagewise, this will be the biggest hike in Obamacare premiums since at least 2018.
“For a lot of people, when they look at the premiums, it’s going to be quite shocking,” said Simon Haeder, a professor of public health at The Ohio State University.
Texans will be more shocked than most.
Average premiums in Texas will climb 35% for a mid-level silver Obamacare plan, compared to 26% nationally, according to a report from health policy research firm KFF. The reason is that Texas, unlike most states, has no statewide health insurance marketplace.
In dollars, the average premium for a 40-yearold individual Texan will increase $172 from $489 to $661 in 2025. That increase is baked into insurers’ announced 2026 rates and doesn’t include the potential effects of losing tax credits. If the credits
Healthy people are most likely to drop coverage, leaving Obamacare insurance companies with higher costs to treat sicker people.
aren’t available for 2026 policies, KFF estimates the average Obamacare premium will rise far higher, by an average of 114%.
The increase will be more for some insureds, especially older, higher-income people. For example, a 60-year-old Texas couple earning $82,000 a year could see premiums increase by more than 250% to $24,923 per year. That’s for a mid-level plan, according to a report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Many enrollees already struggle to pay for insurance, and some will drop coverage if it gets much more expensive, said Lynn Cowles, director of health and food justice at Every Texan, an Austin health research and advocacy nonprofit.
“Estimates are that in Texas just over 1 million people will drop their plans,” Cowles said. “That will get us up around an uninsured rate of 19%, and we already have the highest percentage of uninsured.”
One problem with that is that healthy people are most likely to drop coverage, leaving Obamacare insurance companies with higher costs to treat sicker people. To protect profits, insurers anticipating the impact of ending tax credits have announced rate hikes that may remain in place, no matter what happens with the credits.
While insurers set the actual rates for Obamacare policies, many say the blame for the hikes lies elsewhere.
continued on page 5
“The short answer is that it’s because Congress has failed to extend the subsidies that make insurance affordable,” Cowles said.
Partisan politics underlies the Congressional inaction. Republicans have refused to negotiate on credits until Democrats vote to temporarily fund federal government operations. Democrats, until recently, presented a united front insisting that tax credit extension must be part of any deal to end the government shutdown. However, some breakaway Dem lawmakers now say they will accept a promise to vote on the matter.
Although a deal to reopen the federal government now appears imminent, there is still no agreement to extend the tax credits or vote on the matter by a specific date. Credits may eventually be extended, at least temporarily, removing for the time being the main driver of higher insurance premiums. However, even if the credits are maintained and millions of healthy Obamacare enrollees don’t drop their coverage, it’s not clear whether insurance companies will or can roll back the higher premiums set in expectation of the end of tax credits.
The Congressional inaction directly impacts Tarrant County, where figures provided by Every Texas show 245,049 people are covered by Obamacare plans. Nationwide, 93% of Obamacare participants qualify for tax credits, so it’s likely that nearly every Fort Worthian using Obamacare is looking at the prospect of much higher insurance costs next year.
The effects on Tarrant County go beyond Obamacare enrollees, said Brandy Taylor Dédé, Dallas-based state director of the Children’s Defense Fund advocacy organization. She expects, for instance, that some parents will drop their own
coverage while their children remain insured under another program, such as the federal Child Health Insurance Program for low-income families. But children will still suffer if a parent has untreated or very costly medical conditions, Taylor Dédé said.
More broadly, rural hospitals and clinics may stop offering services such as labor and delivery, or close altogether, under the financial pressure of having to provide care for uninsured people, she said.
“People think it’s just the person losing health coverage who will be impacted,” Taylor Dédé said, “but it affects all of us. When our neighbors can’t access affordable health care, we all end up bearing the burden of those costs.”
There’s one group of people who won’t be directly affected by expiring tax credits, Cowles said. Those people are undocumented immigrants.
“One huge piece of misinformation the federal government is sharing is that subsidies are going to undocumented people,” she said. “They are not. Undocumented people have never been eligible for assistance for health insurance.”
While Congress mulls its next move, Taylor Dédé urged Fort Worthians to contact their elected representatives in Washington, D.C., to express their concerns about the prospect of doubling health insurance premiums. Cowles said Obamacare enrollees should log onto Healthcare. gov, make sure their information is up to date, and be sure to cancel auto-enrollment. Otherwise, they’ll be automatically billed in January for the higher premiums, even if they’ve found another solution or decided to forgo coverage.
Other than that, it’s a waiting game to see how the partisan conflict in Washington plays out. With 2026 Obamacare coverage costs still unknown, current enrollees may want to keep their options open during open enrollment, which started Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 15, Haeder said.
“My advice would be to hold out as long as you can to get a January start date,” he added. l
with a role that fits your schedule.
“One huge piece of misinformation the federal government is sharing is that subsidies are going to undocumented people. They are not. Undocumented people have never been eligible for assistance for health insurance.”
METRO
Where Independence Begins Fort
Worth’s Lighthouse for the Blind brings meaning
— and living wages — to the visually impaired.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY KENA SOSA
“When Independence Begins” is not just any mural. Painted on the exterior of the Lighthouse for the Blind on the Near Southside, it’s interactive. The visually challenged enjoy it by reading inspirational quotes in Braille along the protective outer railing, and large swaths of bright colors make for
easier viewing. The 2,000-square-foot artwork by Fort Worth’s Kristen Soble also includes QR codes for more about the institution’s history and mission. And its mission — to provide gainful employment for the visually impaired — has not changed since its inception.
I first heard about this organization many years ago when my beloved, recently departed, legally blind aunt was employed at the San Antonio facility. Being able to work allowed her to live independently and feel respected and purposeful. I never forgot how empowering that was for her and how encouraging that was to see in action. The Lighthouse for the Blind truly focused on releasing limitations and blasted open opportunities and mindsets. I recently decided to take a tour of the facility to learn more about its mission and facilities.
Each Lighthouse for the Blind location follows a similar model but is completely independent and has a unique origin story, including Fort Worth’s. In 1935, the Texas Commission for the Blind chose Willie May Lewis to create an environment where the visually impaired could thrive. With the grace and kindness of the community, she managed to gain support for the organization in the middle of the Great Depression, when most people did not have enough to sustain themselves, much less give to others. Community members sought support door to door, making personal connections that cultivated roots. Since then, the site has undergone changes in leadership and has experienced growth and transformations, giving more visually impaired workers the skills to be able to earn a living wage.
“Opportunity is a word that I use often when talking about the Lighthouse,” said President and CEO Platt L. Allen III. “For us, an opportunity is around every corner, opportunity for
competitive employment, opportunity to expand independence.”
Ninety years later, behind the brightly painted wall at 309 S. Adams St., the magic really happens. Through the door at the beginning of the mural, visitors can learn what happens at the 80,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. That’s right. Manufacturing.
School groups and other visitors regularly tour the facility. Fort Worth’s employs the visually challenged to manufacture a wealth of products, from copy paper to flashlights and privacy shields, and from drug-test kits to targets for shooting.
The employees work with standard manufacturing machinery adapted for the blind but not changed
in purpose. Private and government buyers have publicly praised the quality of Lighthouse’s products. With at least 75% of the 58 employees blind or with low vision, Lighthouse for the Blind is the preferred vendor for many governmental companies, including the military.
“We’ve been working with [Fort Worth’s Lighthouse] for over 20 years,” said Steve Wyatt of Elbit Systems of America, which makes technology-based systems for defense, homeland security, and commercial uses. “Customer service is great. Anytime I need boxes, we have them within a day. Very grateful for everything [they] do.”
Hot Damn, Tamales! is another happy corporate customer.
“We’re grateful to work with Lighthouse for the Blind,” said co-owners Constantine Stavron
continued on page 7
The Fort Worth Parade of Lights is on everyone’s wishlist this year, so avoid all that holiday tra c with Trinity Metro TEXRail!
Just take a $4 roundtrip ride down to Central Station and you’ll save yourself a sparkly busload of stress. Plan your trip for Sunday, November 23 now at RIDE TRINITYMETRO .org/ POL .
Check o your holiday wishlist
Painted by Fort Worth’s Kristen Soble, Lighthouse for the Blind’s mural “Where Independence Begins” has multisensory adaptations allowing the visually impaired to enjoy the message.
and mom Ione Stavron in a joint statement. “Their team brings heart, dedication, and a sense of purpose to everything they do. It’s inspiring to be part of something that supports meaningful employment and strengthens our community.”
At a training room on-site, Texas Operations instruments adapt technology for use for all. Magnifiers, Braille keyboards, and audio devices are just a few of the adaptations. For those with low vision or blindness, these skills can open doors to success and independence.
Garry Coufal, head of industrial operations, has worked at this site since 2014, most of the time making shipping/transportation tubes. One branch of Lighthouse’s operations that’s really impressive, Coufal says, is devoted to energy-dissipating pads. They prevent hard impacts for the materials and boxing used by the military and in overseas operations.
Fort Worth’s Lighthouse also creates custom products and services for businesses. It starts with a conversation between Coufal and the prospective business. He asks them what they don’t want to do, then takes that information and creates a model to adapt the task to the blind workers, who get the job done. Last year’s numbers show an impressive level of productivity and efficiency. Fort Worth’s Lighthouse produced 166,027 boxes, which amounts to almost 800 per day and resulted in $4,588,272 in sales.
Interestingly, none of the Lighthouse for the Blind locations make the same products, not because they can’t but because they have no wish to compete with one another. This is an intentional tactic to be successful locally and support one another’s own independent missions. That display of selflessness is rare in business. However, it is a welcome message and reminder that people should be more important than profit.
Industrial Operation Supervisor Jose Barbera said most of the new employees require less training than you might expect. Depending on their role, some need only about a day. The machinery is standard manufacturing quality but has been adapted to be used by the workers who commute to and from work daily.
Optical Lab Manager Brian Talkington runs a highly technical eyewear lab on-site that makes 500 kinds of glasses. Equipped with top-notch machines, the lab’s work is known for its accuracy and precision. The high-tech Easy Fit Trend machine, named Denny, allows the lab to process more than 100 orders per day. Denny was named after Robert D. Alexander, who has been a caring sponsor for the Lighthouse’s mission for years. Talkington pointed out a poster for a program called Mission Optical, a nonprofit that donates glasses to qualifying applicants of all ages. Many similar charities focus on children but drop support for those who need it in adulthood. Mission Optical wants all to be able to see clearly regardless of their stage in life and financial status.
With at least 75% of the 58 employees blind or with low vision like Rickey Simpson, Lighthouse for the Blind is the preferred vendor for many governmental companies, including the military.
multi-slotted shipping box, one of the many specialized products built here.
Community Outreach Specialist Latrisha Johnson is happy to give tours for school groups and other visitors. Johnson encouraged anyone who enjoys this message to come volunteer and bring in new ideas on serving the community and make connections. It is her mission to see support and the number of people served grow. “Working for [Lighthouse] is amazing because I am helping the same community that helped me.”
The main building is undergoing renovations and should reopen in 2026. The updated facilities will be bigger and have more space for specialty departments like the Optical Lab. In addition, the improved building will feature a fully functioning apartment for trainers to conduct life skills classes like cooking and making the bed for those with visual challenges. Jay Semple, head of client services, is especially excited about this development. “Learning these life skills in a realistic and safe setting will help clients live safely that will boost the ability of clients to live safely and comfortably on their own, which is the goal for many.”
If you or someone you care about is experiencing low vision or blindness, make sure to refer them to the Lighthouse for an empathetic ear, technology advances, and skills for work to enable them to flourish. Best of all, they will gain a community who understands and supports them through life. Sign up for Blind Awareness Training (BAT), which dives deep into communication and exercises that demonstrate the blind and low-sighted experience.
For those whose interests range from art to community-building to how things are made, make your way over to admire the mural on S. Adams Street, even if it is just for the interactive experience. At a time when most things feel complicated and conflicting, go ahead and open the door to a new way of envisioning the world, a place where profit does not outrank the people who make things possible.
My tour was ending around clock-out time for the workers, but several were willing to stay and show off some of their work. A production line worker, Bobby Worrell, proudly demonstrated the use of the screen-printing machine used to print labels onto boxes. Richard Simpson, another production line worker, displayed a
In the short time since my visit, my Aunt Carol, who lived her best life during her years at work and in the community of Lighthouse for the Blind in our hometown, passed away peacefully. She was 58. I’m grateful to this organization for empowering her to live up to her own expectations on what her life could be. And in her memory, I hope to share encouragement for what is possible when we refuse to accept others’ expectations and live the life we want. Spreading the word about this organization feels like the best way to do that. l
Underachievers
The TCU Horned Frogs are eliminated from playoff contention after a fourth-quarter collapse against
Iowa State.
BY BUCK D. ELLIOTT
This week’s Buck U is akin to two old friends with young children catching up after months of not speak ing: It feels like the busiest season of life with so much to catch up on, yet there’s really not that much to say.
Since we last caught up, the Frogs managed to break their Big 12 road curse against bottom-feeder West Virginia, though it wasn’t without strife. For the second consecutive game, TCU had to survive an opponent storming back in the final minutes with an onside kick in hopes of stealing a game from the jaws of defeat. Just like against Baylor, the Frogs managed to stave off the onslaught and leave Morgantown with their first conference road win of the season, but 23 total points against the Mountaineers was hardly confidence-inspiring from an offense capable of so much more.
The road trip led TCU into a bye week and two weeks to prepare for an Iowa State team that was in freefall after starting the season with five victories and a national ranking but had lost four consecutive before arriving at Amon G. Carter on Saturday afternoon. The Frogs — who had been moving the ball effectively through the first half, at least — struggled. QB Josh Hoover (#10) tossed two interceptions within the first three drives, and a continually shaky kicking game (thanks to injury) left the Frogs in a 6-3 hole at half time — not an inspiring indicator of things to come.
Despite the lackluster start, the offense did find traction in the passing game, scoring by way of efficient midrange passing in the third and fourth quarters, respectively. The rushing game never amounted to much — a recurring theme — but I can’t entirely blame OC Kendal Briles and HC Sonny Dykes (other than their scheme not being designed to rush the ball when specifically chal lenged). The Iowa State defense committed their linebackers and safeties to smothering the run. It was a marked decision, forcing Hoover to beat them through the air, which he did, but not with enough continuity to win the game.
What ultimately did in TCU’s game and therefore season were special-teams blunders. A doinked field goal in the second quarter and an over-kicked punt returned for a touchdown in the fourth were the difference in losing to an Iowa State team that played the power run and controlled the ball well but whose offense is still mostly ineffective and pedestrian. The TCU defense tried to pick up the slack by intercepting Rocco Becht (#3) twice to match Hoover’s misfires, but Jeremy Payne’s (#26) lost fumble left the Frogs down one in the turnover differential. Andy Avalos’ defensive unit
FRIDAY, NOV 14TH
SATURDAY, NOV 15TH THE TEXAS HEAT FRIDAY, NOV 21ST MEREDITH CRAWFORD
SATURDAY, NOV 22ND FASTBACK - TEXAS ROCK N’ ROLL
BULLETIN BOARD
ADVERTISE HERE!
Email Stacey@fwweekly.com today.
Are You Road-Trip Ready?
CALL COWTOWN ROVER!
With our handy pick-up and drop-off services, having your car checked out could not be easier. www.CowtownRover.com
3958 Vickery | 817.731.3223
CELEBRATION
Located at 908 Pennsylvania Av (817-335-3222), Celebration Community Church has services on Sundays at 10am. Want to check out a nonjudgmental, inclusive church at home before attending in person? All services can also be viewed on YouTube! (@ CelebrationCommunityChurch130)
CONSUMER CELLULAR
We offer the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-833-926-4234. (MB)
GET PUBLISHED!
Dorrance Publishing, trusted by authors since 1920, is accepting submissions. Book manuscripts are currently being reviewed. Comprehensive services include consultation, production, promotion and distribution. Call 1-866-256-0940 or go to DorranceInfo.com/ftworth for your free author`s guide and become a published author. (MB)
GOBBLE, GOBBLE!
Need help with Thanksgiving dinner? Bonnell’s is taking orders thru Wed, Nov 19 at noon. For info, go to: BonnellsTexas.com/order
LOST N SOUND IS SATURDAY! Get the scoop at LostNSound.org
ONE BITE & YOU’LL KNOW!
Send 100% guaranteed, delivered-to-the-door Omaha Steaks! This package comes with 8 FREE Burgers! Call or visit online and mention code 76946ATS. Order The Classic Cookout Collection! ONLY $129.99. (mb) OmahaSteaks.com/OneBite2728 1-855-404-9674
PANTHY TIME IS HERE!
Complete a ballot for #FWWMA25 by midnight on November 30th: FWWeekly.com/music-awards-2025/
POTTER’S HOUSE
Join the Potter’s House of Fort Worth (1270 Woodhaven Blvd, 817-446-1999) for Sunday Service at 8am and Wednesday Bible Study at 7pm. For more info, visit us online at www.TPHFW.org.
PREPARED for OUTAGES?
Be ready with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 817-752-957 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. (MB).
PUBLIC NOTICES / AUCTIONS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 59 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY CODE: Curio Storage DeSoto, located at 601 S Interstate 35 E, DeSoto, TX 75115, (phone: 409-203-4147) will hold a public auction of property being sold to satisfy a landlord’s lien. The sale will take place at www.storageauctions.com beginning on 11/19/2025 at 12:00 AM and ending on 11/26/2025 at 12:00 PM. Property in each space will be sold by the space. Deposit for removal and cleanup may be temporarily required. No cash accepted. Seller reserves the right to not accept any bid and to withdraw property from sale. Property being sold includes appliances, furniture, toys, electronics, personal items, boxes, and other items. Name and unit number of tenants: Sherry Martinez, unit 0A11; Michael Martinez, unit 0A16; Phylensia Watson, unit 0B22; Nikki Lawrence, unit 0D21; Khalilah Mclemore, unit 0F15; Derrick Robinson, unit 0F22; Gary Williams, unit 0G10; Magan Munoz Abu Dari, unit 0G22; Marilyn L Cunningham, unit 0G27; Kevone Edmonds, unit 0G30; Porsha Bell, unit 0G38; Khalilah Mclemore, unit 0G59; Jerriony Porter, unit 0G64; Gloria Mcgraw, unit 0G79.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Any Texans who may be concerned that an unlicensed massage business may be in operation near them, or believe nail salon employees may be human trafficking victims, may now report those concerns directly to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) by emailing ReportHT@TDLR.Texas.gov.
WHAT’S YOUR STORY?
We work with guest contributors to publish SEO articles and press releases. For more info, email Marketing@ fwweekly.com.
WHISKEY & WAR STORIES
This Friday, November 14th at 7pm, head to Rex’s Bar & Grill (1501 S University, FWTX) a night of whiskey and war stories featuring Horse Soldier Bourbon. Get ready to sip on smooth bourbon while listening to incredible tales from one of the brave men behind the brand. It’s going to be a night filled with great drinks and even better stories. Don’t miss out on this unique event! There is no cost to attend, but reservations are recommended via Eventbrite.com.
WINES by OMAHA STEAKS!
Receive 12 world-class wines (and bonus gifts) for ONLY $79.99 (plus s/h) and save $160! That’s 12 new wine selections plus a FREE $25 Omaha Steaks E-reward card every three months. Cancel anytime. 100% guarantee! Call 1-855-275-7565 and mention code AGJF002 or visit www.GetOSWine.com/sip275. (MB)
