Starting a Business or Retiring Early? Double-Check Your Health Insurance Costs

August 20, 2025

If you currently purchase health insurance made possible through the Affordable Care Act or if you’re counting on an ACA plan to support you as you start a business or take early retirement, you may want to stop and recheck your budget numbers.

Policy changes in Washington, D.C. may soon lead to sharp cost increases on ACA policies, reports KFF Health News.

 For example, tax credits that have helped millions afford health coverage are set to expire in December, unless Congress extends the credits.

“I would hate for people to make a big decision now and then, in a few months, realize, ‘I’m not even going to qualify for a tax credit next year,’” Lauren Jenkins, an Oklahoma insurance agent, told KFF. “Coupled with the rate increases, which could be significant, especially for someone at or near retirement, when it could easily cost over $1,000 a month.”

Keep Americans Covered, a coalition of consumers, doctors, hospitals, employers and health insurers, estimates that 24 million people rely on tax credits in order to afford their health insurance in 2025. Many could see their premiums spike next year.

The savings add up, according to the organization:

  • In Idaho, more than 90,000 people claim ACA tax credits. If the credits are not renewed, a couple in their 60s earning $82,800 a year would see their health insurance premiums increase by $14,855, a 221% increase. A family of four earning $128,800 would see their annual premiums rise by $7,060, a 66% increase.
  • In Utah, about 350,000 people benefit from the tax credits. If not renewed, a couple in their 60s earning $82,800 a year would pay an additional $19,280 in health insurance premiums. Without the credits, a family of four earning $64,000 a year would pay $2,571 more.
  • In Oregon, about 118,000 people save money with tax credits. If not renewed, a couple in their 60s earning $82,800 a year would pay $18,265 more per year in premiums. A family of four earning $64,000 would see premiums rise by $2,571.
  • In Washington, nearly 200,000 people benefit from the tax credits. Without the credits, a couple in their 60s earning $82,800 a year would pay $14,615 more annually for their health insurance. A family of four earning $64,000 would pay $2,571 more.

Does your household currently benefit from the ACA premium tax credit? Do you think Congress should extend this benefit for low-income Americans? If so, add your name to our Voices for Affordable Health petition.