10/14/2025
PLEASE TAKE ACTION NOW TO SUPPORT EXTENDING THE ENHANCED HEALTH INSURANCE SUBSIDIES
If the enhanced health insurance subsidies (monthly tax credits) are not renewed by Congress, health insurance premiums will rise significantly for many Coloradans (and Americans) in 2026.
If you would like to take action now in support of extending the enhanced health insurance subsidies (monthly tax credits), please call the following congressional leaders and let them know that you support renewing the enhanced health insurance subsidies (that are due to expire at the end of 2025):
Senator John Thune- Phone: (202) 224-2321
Congressman Mike Johnson- Phone: (202) 225-2777
Senator Chuck Schumer- (202) 224-6542
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries- (202) 225-5936
What these enhanced subsidies are:
• The “enhanced” subsidies refer to expansions made under the American Rescue Plan (and later extended) that increased the amount of premium assistance and widened eligibility (e.g. removing the 400% of poverty cap) beyond what the original ACA allowed. Congress.gov+2KFF+2
• These enhancements are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress acts. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities+3Congress.gov+3KFF+3
What would happen if they expire/are not renewed:
Premiums will rise sharply
o Many people receiving subsidies now would see their required premium contributions increase — sometimes dramatically. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities+3KFF+3RWJF+3
o KFF estimates that the average premium payment (after subsidy) could more than double if enhanced credits expire. KFF
o In some cases, people currently paying little or nothing could face significant premiums. KFF
Loss of eligibility / reduction of subsidy for many
o Under the enhanced rules, people with incomes above 400% of the federal poverty level had become eligible for subsidies; without enhancement, those people would lose subsidy eligibility. Congress.gov+2Center on Budget and Policy Priorities+2
o Some lower-income individuals would see their subsidy amounts reduced. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities+2Congress.gov+2
Increased uninsured rates / coverage losses
o Some number of people will drop coverage because they can’t afford the new costs. KFF+3RWJF+3Congress.gov+3
o One analysis estimates about 7.3 million people could lose subsidized coverage and about 4.8 million could become uninsured. RWJF
o The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects the number of uninsured could increase by 2.2 million in 2026 if the enhanced subsidies are not extended. Congress.gov
Health care providers and uncompensated care burden rise
o With more people uninsured or underinsured, hospitals and clinics could see more uncompensated care (i.e. services rendered without payment). RWJF
o One study estimated that provider revenue could decline by over $32 billion, and uncompensated care might increase by $7.7 billion in 2026. RWJF
Insurance market effects and premium spiral risk
o Healthier individuals (who need less care) may decide not to enroll at higher costs, which could worsen risk pools, putting upward pressure on premiums for those who remain. Congress.gov+2Center on Budget and Policy Priorities+2
o The CBO also estimates that benchmark (standard) premiums would increase by about 4.3% in 2026 just from the change in subsidy structure. Congress.gov
Geographic and state-level disparities
o States that did not expand Medicaid are more vulnerable to sharp effects, with steeper increases in uninsured rates and uncompensated care. RWJF+1
o The magnitude of premium increases and coverage losses will vary by region, age, income level, and local market conditions. RWJF+1
Federal spending and budget impacts
o Federal expenditures on subsidies would decline (because fewer or smaller subsidies are paid). Congress.gov+1
o But some of the savings might be offset by increased costs elsewhere (e.g. uncompensated care, emergency services). RWJF
o If Congress instead extends or makes permanent the enhanced subsidies, that would increase the budget deficit over time. Congress.gov+1
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