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Projected 26% Rise in ACA Premiums Sparks Political Standoff

10/30/2025

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Center

Premiums Surge Projected

ACA marketplace premiums are projected to rise 26% in 2026.
Without extending COVID-19 era tax credits, costs could increase by 114%.
A couple earning $85,000 could see premiums rise from $7,225 to $31,846.
Democrats refuse to negotiate on government reopening without tax credit extensions, while Republicans remain firm.
Center for Medicare and Medicaid Administrator, Dr. Mehmet Oz, disputed the KFF analysis but did not provide evidence of its retraction.

Left

Legislators Urge Subsidy Extension

Dozens of U.S. state legislators urge congressional Republicans to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies.
They warn that expiration would raise premiums, as insurers plan a 26% average increase for the upcoming year.
They say lapse could leave more than 4.2 million people uninsured and threaten younger Americans’ financial stability before the ACA open enrollment begins on November 1.

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Premiums Surge Projected

ACA marketplace premiums are projected to rise 26% in 2026.
Without extending COVID-19 era tax credits, costs could increase by 114%.
A couple earning $85,000 could see premiums rise from $7,225 to $31,846.
Democrats refuse to negotiate on government reopening without tax credit extensions, while Republicans remain firm.
Center for Medicare and Medicaid Administrator, Dr. Mehmet Oz, disputed the KFF analysis but did not provide evidence of its retraction.

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