ACA Premium Subsidy Expansion Set to Expire Dec. 31 as House Vote Looms in January

Overview

• The enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits are scheduled to lapse on Dec. 31, threatening sharp cost increases for roughly 22 million marketplace enrollees.
• House leaders are preparing an early‑January vote forced by a discharge petition to extend the credits for three years, though the outlook in the Senate remains unclear.
• Nonpartisan analyses, including KFF, project premiums would roughly double in 2026 without the extra aid, with middle‑income families, early retirees and small businesses facing the biggest strain.
• Democratic Rep. Joe Neguse is pressing for renewal, while Republican Rep. Jeff Crank argues the subsidies are a temporary fix that shift benefits to higher earners.
• Open enrollment for 2026 marketplace plans runs through Jan. 15, leaving consumers to finalize coverage as Congress decides whether to continue the financial assistance.