Overview
- Open enrollment begins Nov. 1 with no deal to extend enhanced premium tax credits, leaving about 22 million subsidized enrollees facing sharply higher displayed premiums.
- KFF estimates out-of-pocket premiums would jump about 114% on average for subsidized consumers in 2026 if the enhancements lapse, with base premiums rising roughly 26% nationally.
- Rate filings point to larger increases on HealthCare.gov states (about 30% on average) than on state-run marketplaces (about 17%), which could fuel sticker shock and shopping churn.
- State exchanges are preparing contingency steps, with Maryland readying temporary state aid and weeks of reprogramming if Congress acts late, and California set to auto-recalculate premiums and notify consumers.
- Pressure is building as USDA says SNAP benefits stop Nov. 1; Colorado approved $10 million for food banks and joined a multi-state lawsuit, unions urged release of $5 billion in contingency funds, and Congress remains split on tying subsidy extensions to reopening the government.