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Extra federal premium tax credits ended after 2025 and were not renewed. KFF, a health policy research group, says subsidized buyers now pay 114 percent more on average nationwide. Your own premium depends on your income, age, plan, and state, so check the Marketplace or KFF's calculator for your real number.
What happened
A boost to ACA premium tax credits ran from 2021 to the end of 2025. It was not renewed. Many people who buy Marketplace plans now see a higher bill for 2026. Less tax credit is applied each month.
What usually applies
KFF is a health policy research group. It says subsidized buyers now pay about 114 percent more, on average. That is a move from about 888 dollars a year in 2025 to about 1,904 dollars a year in 2026. KFF also says buyers lose about 1,016 dollars a year in help, on average. These are national averages from a model. They are not your own number. Your real change depends on your income, age, plan, and state. It can be smaller or much bigger than the average.
“expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits is estimated to more than double what subsidized enrollees currently pay annually for premiums—a 114% increase from an average of $888 in 2025 to $1,904 in 2026.”
“subsidized enrollees would lose an average of $1,016 annually in premium payment assistance”
“When those enhancements expired at the end of 2025, premium payments rose sharply for many enrollees”
What to do
- 1
Look up your real premium and credit
HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace shows your real 2026 premium and credit. This is not the national average.
- 2
Try a subsidy calculator
KFF publishes a free calculator built for this exact question. It uses your income, age, and state to estimate your own credit, not a nationwide figure.
- 3
Compare plans during open enrollment
A different plan in the same marketplace may cost less even with a smaller credit. Open enrollment is the usual window to switch plans.
- 4
Ask about a special enrollment period if your income changed
A real income change can open a new enrollment window outside the regular dates. The Marketplace decides what counts.
You may be confused about your own bill. Or you may think a number on your account is wrong. The Marketplace call center and certified helpers can look at your real account. Legal aid and 211 can help too, if the new cost is a hardship.
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- KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation)Retrieved 2026-07-08
- KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation)Retrieved 2026-07-08
Last reviewed 2026-07-08