ACA premium subsidies expiration causes concerns for health insurance affordability

Republicans passed a $4 trillion tax cut bill, but did not extend enhanced premium tax credits, leading to potential 75% premium increases for ACA enrollees. 22 million people benefited from the credits in 2025, saving an average of $705. Without the credits, 4.2 million Americans could become uninsured.

Enhanced premium tax credits established by the ACA lowered premiums by 44% in 2024, saving average enrollees $705. Without the credits, premiums could rise over 75% in 2026, leading to 4.2 million uninsured Americans over the next decade, according to experts.

Enhanced premium subsidies have doubled ACA enrollment to 24 million in 2025, benefiting Black and Latino individuals, lower-income households, self-employed workers, and small business owners. The expiration of these subsidies could disproportionately impact these groups, leading to significant enrollment declines.

Read more at CNBC: Why ACA health insurance premiums may see ‘sharp’ increase in 2026