In Bellevue, Washington, concerns are mounting over the potential expiration of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), set to end in 2025. Should Congress fail to enact legislation extending these credits, approximately 24 million individuals enrolled in the ACA could face significant premium increases in 2026.
During a news conference at Overlake Medical Center, Representative Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), the minority leader of the House of Representatives, criticized the impending expiration as “an unprecedented assault on the healthcare of the American people.” He was joined by Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, congressional leaders, and healthcare advocates, who emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue.
Governor Ferguson articulated the potential impact on Washington state residents, indicating that at least 80,000 individuals may find themselves unable to afford healthcare coverage if the enhanced subsidies are not extended. He stressed the importance of communicating the stakes to the American public, noting, “We need to be clear in our objection to this.”
Currently, the enhanced tax credits reduce the cost of private health plans for over 280,000 residents in Washington who lack access to employer-sponsored insurance—encompassing students, contractors, the self-employed, unemployed, and retirees. Without the subsidies, individuals who manage to retain their health coverage may see an astronomical rise in costs, projected to be a 21 percent increase in health insurance rates for the individual exchange by the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA) highlighted the grim reality, explaining that the average Washingtonian on the exchange could experience a staggering 65 percent increase in premiums next year, translating to an additional $1,300 in annual costs for individuals.
The Enhanced Premium Tax Credits were initially introduced as part of the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021 and were subsequently extended in 2022. However, with their current expiration approaching, the likelihood of receiving further extensions from the Republican-controlled House remains uncertain. While some House Republicans have suggested legislation for extension beyond the 2026 midterms, substantial support is lacking.
In an interview, Rep. Jeffries urged voters to contact their congressional leaders, emphasizing the critical few weeks ahead to address what he described as a broken healthcare system. He expressed hope for actionable solutions to prevent unnecessary financial burdens on the American public, particularly as living costs continue to rise.
As the situation develops, healthcare access and affordability remain at the forefront of discussions, with Washington’s leaders advocating for immediate action to safeguard the wellbeing of its residents.
