THE HILL – After months of fighting and countless proposals for a bipartisan compromise, the expiration date for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax subsidies has arrived, with millions of Americans set to feel the pain.
Congress had until Dec. 31, 2025, to strike a deal extending tax credits that were first enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic by the Biden administration and further extended through the Inflation Reduction Act.
Democrats held a relatively united front in the last half of 2025 as they sought to pressure Republicans into agreeing to a deal to save the credits.
This fight saw the longest government shutdown in U.S. history and GOP infighting between conservatives who staunchly opposed ObamaCare and moderates who sought to stave off constituent anger.
But Republicans left Congress on Dec. 19 for their holiday recess with no deal, setting the stage for a postexpiration fight in the new year.
Health coverage experts repeatedly warned that the expiration of these enhanced tax credits would result in significantly higher premiums and a loss of health insurance for millions of Americans priced out of the ACA marketplace.
The deadline to receive coverage at the start of 2026 was Dec. 15. Prospective enrollees have until Jan. 15 to sign up if they want coverage beginning Feb. 1.
Subsidies drove record enrollment
The enhanced premium tax credits were credited with boosting health insurance coverage in the U.S. The Biden administration saw four consecutive years of record-high enrollment in ACA plans, with nearly 24 million people signed up for plans in 2025.
Much of this was due to the enhanced premiums tax credits lowering monthly health plan costs for millions, with many being able to get no-cost premiums. And eligibility for enhanced premiums tax credits was expanded to include people making beyond 400 percent of the federal poverty level.
Now, without the policies that boosted coverage and allowed customers to access more affordable plans, uninsured rates are expected to grow …
