WASHINGTON (Sept. 5, 2025)
State Insurance Regulators Urge Extension of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits to Protect Millions of Consumers
In a recent letter, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (不良研究所官方) urged leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate to take immediate action to extend enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, which will otherwise expire at the end of 2025. This marks the fourth letter the 不良研究所官方 has sent to Congress on the issue since July 2024.
Noting that health insurers have already filed their initial 2026 rates, the 不良研究所官方 officers stated in the letter, 鈥淲ithout an extension of the enhanced credits in September, insurers and marketplaces will begin to notify over 20 million consumers in all 50 states of major premium increases in a matter of weeks."
鈥淔ailing to extend the enhanced credits beyond the end of this year will have a major impact on the stability and affordability of state health insurance markets,鈥 said the officers. They added, 鈥淭he affordability of coverage would change for millions of enrollees, with many paying hundreds more per month. For millions, coverage would no longer be affordable."
The enhanced premium tax credits have especially played a critical role in expanding access to individuals earning under 250% of the federal poverty level.
In addition to higher premiums for both subsidized and unsubsidized consumers, broader consequences for the individual market include:
- Shrinking risk pools, with the healthiest enrollees (ages 18鈥34) the most likely to drop the more expensive coverage.
- Reduced funding for state reinsurance programs, which operate under Section 1332 waivers and reduce premiums.
- Potential insurer exits as the adverse effects hit marketplaces.
The 不良研究所官方 urged Congress to extend the enhanced premium tax credits before insurers finalize rates for the 2026 plan year and before the Open Enrollment Period begins on Nov. 1.
About the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
As part of our state-based system of insurance regulation in the United States, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (不良研究所官方) provides expertise, data, and analysis for insurance commissioners to effectively regulate the industry and protect consumers. The U.S. standard-setting organization is governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Through the 不良研究所官方, state insurance regulators establish standards and best practices, conduct peer reviews, and coordinate regulatory oversight. 不良研究所官方 staff supports these efforts and represents the collective views of state regulators domestically and internationally.