Overview
- President Donald Trump signed the funding bill ending the 43-day shutdown, but the enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits were left to expire on December 31 unless Congress intervenes.
- KFF and CBO estimate that many marketplace enrollees would see premiums more than double in 2026 and that more than 2 million people could lose coverage, with spikes varying widely by state and age.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune pledged a mid-December vote on a Democratic extension bill, though the 60‑vote threshold, GOP demands such as stricter abortion language, and a potential veto keep passage uncertain.
- House Republican leaders have not promised a vote, while GOP figures like Sen. Rick Scott promote alternatives such as routing assistance to Health Savings Accounts and argue current subsidies chiefly benefit insurers.
- Open enrollment is underway as consumers receive higher quotes and guidance from exchanges; examples include a Massachusetts couple’s monthly premium rising from $900 to nearly $2,100 and small business owners seeing plans jump from about $300 to over $1,500 without the credits.