ACA enhanced premium tax credit expiration
Key Questions
What happened to the enhanced ACA premium tax credits?
The enhanced premium tax credits expired on January 1, 2026. This has led to early signals of state-level enrollment drops in places like Oregon and Texas, along with affordability pressures noted in KFF surveys.
What are the projected impacts of the subsidy expiration on coverage and premiums?
CBO and CRS project 2.2 million people becoming newly uninsured, a 4.3% premium increase, and 4.8 million at risk of losing coverage, with potential further declines of 17-26%. Rhode Island insurers are seeking double-digit rate hikes partly due to this change.
Are marketplace premiums expected to rise again in 2026?
Early signals point to a second year of double-digit marketplace premium increases. Rate review filings and Rhode Island requests indicate continued upward pressure following the steepest increase in a decade.
Enhanced premium tax credits expired Jan 1, 2026. New data: state-level enrollment drops (e.g., Oregon, Texas); KFF survey finds affordability pressures. CBO/CRS project 2.2M newly uninsured and 4.3% premium hikes. 4.8M at risk of losing coverage. Potential 17-26% further decline. Rhode Island insurers seek double-digit rate hikes, partly due to subsidy expiration.