Consider This from NPR Here's what could happen if Obamacare subsidies aren't extended
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Oct 30, 2025 In this discussion, health policy researcher Cynthia Cox from KFF delves into the potential fallout if enhanced ACA premium tax credits aren’t renewed. She reveals that without these subsidies, individuals could face a staggering 114% increase in their health care costs. Cox emphasizes that 22 million rely on these credits, and failure to extend them could result in over 14 million more uninsured, straining the health system. She also advises enrollees on shopping for plans and navigating the upcoming open enrollment period.
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Stories Of Losing Employer Coverage And Gaining ACA Plans
- Laura Reynolds and Lynn Chernin both lost employer coverage and found ACA plans that improved affordability and care access.
- Reynolds found a $0 premium plan covering costly prescriptions while Chernin avoided huge medical bills with marketplace coverage.
Millions Rely On Enhanced Tax Credits
- KFF reports 22 million marketplace enrollees rely on enhanced premium tax credits this year.
- Losing those credits would, on average, more than double what enrollees pay out of pocket.
What Determines Enrollee Costs: Congress Or Insurers?
- Premiums set by insurers rise about 26% on average, but enrollee costs depend on tax-credit rules set by Congress.
- The main driver of what people actually pay is lawmaker decisions about credit levels, not insurer pricing alone.