A recent report from the office of Sen. Maria Cantwell indicates that many health insurance customers relying on provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will face significant cost increases in 2026. According to Calley Hair, deputy director of communications for Cantwell’s office, this situation presents a glimpse into future challenges for residents in Washington State.
The anticipated increases stem from the nonrenewal of enhanced premium tax credits under the U.S. House reconciliation package, a contentious issue that contributed to the government shutdown on October 1, 2023. These premium tax credits, established by the ACA, provide vital financial assistance to individuals earning up to 400% of the federal poverty line.
In 2021, the introduction of “enhanced” credits expanded eligibility, significantly benefiting many consumers. However, a September assessment by the Kaiser Family Foundation suggests that without the renewal of these credits, ACA premiums could more than double in 2026.
Impact on Idaho Residents
Early data from Your Health Idaho supports this assessment, showcasing stark examples of the financial burden facing consumers. For instance, a 45-year-old adult earning $40,000 in Lewiston, supporting a child, would see their net premiums surge from $61 per month in 2025 to $203 in 2026.
Another example highlights a couple aged 55 and 51 in Idaho Falls earning $65,000, facing an increase in their monthly premium from $350 to $539. Similarly, a 30-year-old in Coeur d’Alene with an income of $40,000 would see costs escalate from $154 to $287.
As open enrollment began in Idaho on October 25, 2023, and will commence for most other states on November 1, consumers are encouraged to evaluate their options. Individuals can compare available health plans on the Your Health Idaho website at idahohix.yourhealthidaho.org/prescreener.
The looming increases in health insurance premiums underscore the ongoing debate surrounding healthcare financing in the United States, particularly as lawmakers continue to grapple with the implications of the ACA. The situation remains fluid, and many will be watching closely as these changes unfold in the coming months.
