Michigan Doctors Warn of 5 Major Changes Coming to Health Care in 2026

A perfect storm is brewing in Michigan's health care system, and families across the state are about to feel the impact.

Leading Michigan doctors say these 5 changes are coming to health care in 2026, transforming everything from your insurance bill to the way you interact with your physician.

The most immediate threat is a looming health insurance affordability crisis.

A major shift in federal policy is set to eliminate the enhanced subsidies that have helped hundreds of thousands of Michiganders afford their health plans.

Experts like Dr. Anand Parekh of the University of Michigan School of Public Health warn that this could cause monthly premiums to skyrocket for many.

Some estimates project that insurance costs could more than double, forcing families into an impossible choice between coverage and other essential expenses.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, expressed deep concern about this widening gap, worrying about residents falling through the cracks.

Beyond the sticker shock, technology is also set to play a much larger role.

The second major change is the rapid integration of artificial intelligence into medicine.

AI is expected to assist with diagnostics and treatment plans, potentially improving accuracy but also raising new questions about the doctor-patient relationship.

Third, the landscape for prescription drugs is shifting dramatically.

Patients may finally see lower prices for certain high-cost medications, including the popular GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss and diabetes management.

This could be a game-changer in tackling the state's obesity epidemic.

Fourth, prepare for potential confusion surrounding vaccine recommendations.

Public health officials anticipate an overhaul of long-standing guidelines, which could create communication challenges for doctors and patients alike.

Finally, Dr. Marschall Runge, former leader of Michigan Medicine, believes that true progress on affordability will remain stalled until partisan politics are set aside.

These converging forces promise to make 2026 a pivotal year for the health and well-being of everyone in Michigan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Michigan health insurance premiums expected to rise in 2026?

Enhanced premium subsidies provided through the Affordable Care Act are set to expire at the end of 2025. Without legislative action to extend them, the full cost of insurance premiums will be passed on to consumers, leading to significant price increases for many Michigan families.

How will AI be used in Michigan health care?

Artificial intelligence is expected to be used more frequently to analyze medical images, predict patient outcomes, and help doctors create more personalized treatment plans. The goal is to enhance diagnostic speed and accuracy, but it will also change how medical professionals work.

What are GLP-1 drugs, and why are their prices changing?

GLP-1 drugs are a class of medications, like Ozempic and Wegovy, used for treating diabetes and promoting weight loss. Increased competition, patent expirations, and potential government negotiations are expected to drive down their historically high prices, making them more accessible to patients in Michigan.