Washington, D.C. — Even before open enrollment begins, Americans are feeling the cost of congressional inaction. Those comparing health care plans on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace are already seeing steep 2026 premium hikes as Congress stalls on extending enhanced premium tax credits.
A new analysis from the Center for American Progress finds:
- Early window shopping in six states shows steep 2026 premium increases as enhanced ACA subsidies are set to expire.
- Without congressional action, millions could lose coverage due to unaffordable premiums when open enrollment begins November 1.
- Marketplace preview tools in Georgia, Idaho, Maryland, Nevada, New York, and Virginia are already showing major premium hikes as insurers price plans assuming enhanced tax credits will expire at the end of the year.
“Families are getting hit with premium shock right now because Congress has not extended the enhanced tax credits,” said Natasha Murphy, director of Health Policy at CAP and co-author of the analysis. “This isn’t a hypothetical; people are previewing 2026 plans and finding out their coverage may soon be unaffordable. Congress must act immediately to protect affordable health care for millions of Americans.”
Within the analysis, the Center for American Progress provided a timeline showing key dates for 2026 open enrollment across the country.
Read the analysis: “Shoppers of Affordable Care Act Coverage Are Already Being Hit With Sticker Shock” by Natasha Murphy and Neda Ashtari
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Christian Unkenholz at [email protected].