Sticker Shock Looms as Health Care Tax Credits Hang in the Balance
As the federal government shutdown drags on and open enrollment for health insurance begins, Americans are bracing for major price increases if Congress fails to renew Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. Here’s what people who purchase health insurance through their state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace told reporters:
In Idaho: Cathy Newcomb and her husband buy health insurance through their state’s ACA exchange while waiting to qualify for Medicare. Cathy, 63, who has Type 1 diabetes, told USA Today that going uninsured is not an option. Without the tax credit, she expects what they pay for health coverage to more than double.
“We’re going to take a 103% increase in the (insurance) premium cost, and I’m still going to be spending $2,500 every three months just to be able to continue my insulin pump therapy,” she said. “Congress can say that they know and they’re aware, but they don’t live it day in and day out.”
In Oregon: Lyn Rosten told The Oregonian she can’t stop worrying about her family’s health insurance costs. Starting in January, the monthly premium they pay for a family of three will climb to more than $2,000 – a 45% increase from this year.
In 2025, federal tax credits helped lower their premiums by about $500 a month. That will end unless Congress opts to renew them.
“Rent is our biggest expense, but health care premiums will be rivaling that next year,” she said. “This pushes health insurance spending nearly out of our reach, but we can’t live without health care.”
In Utah: Paralyzed after a rock-climbing accident, Stan Clawson told The Salt Lake City Tribune he depends on Affordable Care Act coverage for his ongoing medical needs.
If the financial assistance he receives through the federal tax credits ends, Clawson’s health insurance premiums would more than double.
“As I read the news, I – and many others, I’m sure – am living in a state of fear,” he said.
In Washington state: Freelance marketing consultant Rebecca Staffel currently pays just under $400 a month for coverage for her and her husband. Without the help of tax credits, she told The Seattle Times, her monthly premium would have been $1,600 a month.
When she began looking into 2026 prices without tax credit renewal, she found her monthly premium could soar above $2,100.
“It’s pretty awful,” she said. “We can’t do that.”
What about you? Do you purchase your health plan through your state’s ACA marketplace? Have you looked at your costs? Share your story with Voices for Affordable Health.