Health insurance premiums may spike in 2026 if Congress misses ACA deadline
Millions of Americans could see their health insurance premiums rise in 2026 if Congress fails to extend key Affordable Care Act subsidies. The current subsidies, set to expire at the end of December, remain in limbo after House Republicans adjourned without voting on new legislation.
The issue has sparked criticism from Democrats, who accuse the GOP of leaving families at risk of losing affordable coverage.
Before the holiday break, the U.S. House passed the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act. The bill aims to cut costs by allowing consumers to buy insurance plans across state lines, a move supporters say could boost competition and reduce prices over time. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the proposal could lower premiums by roughly 11% and save about $30 billion over a decade by restructuring premium tax credits.
Yet the bill does not address the looming expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies. Instead, the House Republican health plan explicitly excludes their extension. A Rules Committee meeting on Tuesday may consider amendments for a two-year extension, pushed by moderate Republicans, but no final agreement has been reached.
Illinois Rep. Eric Sorensen, a Democrat from Rockford, condemned the House GOP’s inaction. He warned that without action, tens of millions could struggle to afford healthcare. Sorensen argued that adjourning without a vote demonstrated a failure to prioritise working families facing rising costs.
The subsidies are due to end on December 31, leaving lawmakers with little time to prevent premium hikes. If no deal is reached, millions may pay more for coverage starting in 2026. The outcome now depends on whether Congress can bridge divisions before the deadline.
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