Colorado lawmakers are raising alarms as the Affordable Care Act tax credit deadline arrives today, December 15, 2025. With enhanced subsidies set to expire, millions nationwide, including thousands in Colorado, face sharp health insurance premium increases starting in 2026, potentially doubling or tripling costs for many families.
Lawmakers Voice Concerns
Senator Michael Bennet has called the situation a huge failure of leadership in Congress. He warns that without action, families could see their monthly premiums skyrocket, making health coverage unaffordable for working people across the state.
Congressman Jeff Hurd points out that Republicans are not to blame for the deadlock. He argues that the focus should be on broader health care reforms to tackle rising costs without relying solely on temporary subsidies.
Recent debates in Washington highlight the divide, with both parties failing to pass bills that would extend these tax credits. This leaves many Coloradans worried about their options as open enrollment wraps up.
Impact on Colorado Residents
Around 75,000 people in Colorado could lose their health coverage if premiums spike as expected. State officials estimate that average monthly costs for a family plan might jump from $500 to over $1,000 without the enhanced subsidies.
This change stems from the end of pandemic-era boosts to ACA tax credits, which helped make insurance more affordable. For low- and middle-income households, the loss could force tough choices between health care and other essentials like rent or food.
Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s insurance marketplace, reports that enrollment has surged this year amid fears of higher prices. Many are locking in plans now to avoid the worst of the increases.
Experts predict that rural areas in Colorado, such as Grand Junction, will feel the pinch hardest due to fewer provider options and higher baseline costs.
Why Premiums Are Set to Rise
The enhanced ACA subsidies, expanded under the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act, are expiring at year’s end. Without them, the tax credits revert to lower levels, shifting more costs to consumers.
In 2025, national data shows over 22 million Americans benefited from these subsidies, keeping premiums under 8.5 percent of household income. Colorado alone saw record low uninsured rates thanks to this support.
If Congress does not act soon, the Congressional Budget Office projects premium increases of 50 to 100 percent for many plans. This could reverse gains in coverage achieved over the past few years.
- Families earning between $50,000 and $75,000 annually face the steepest hikes.
- Single adults might see premiums rise by an average of $300 per month.
- Small businesses offering employee plans could cut back on benefits to manage costs.
Congressional Stalemate Explained
House Republicans recently unveiled a health care package that skips extending the ACA subsidies. Instead, it focuses on measures like expanding health savings accounts and reducing regulations to lower overall costs.
Senate efforts also fell short last week, with dueling bills from Democrats and Republicans failing to advance. Democrats pushed for subsidy extensions, while Republicans favored alternatives like block grants to states.
This gridlock comes amid broader budget talks, with lawmakers heading into recess without a deal. President Biden has urged compromise, but partisan divides on health care spending remain deep.
A recent poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation shows 70 percent of Americans support keeping the enhanced subsidies, adding pressure on elected officials.
| State | Estimated Affected Residents | Average Premium Increase (%) | Projected Uninsured Rise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 75,000 | 50-100 | 10,000 |
| California | 1,200,000 | 40-80 | 150,000 |
| Texas | 800,000 | 60-120 | 100,000 |
| New York | 500,000 | 30-70 | 50,000 |
Potential Paths Forward
Some experts suggest states like Colorado could step in with their own subsidies or reinsurance programs to soften the blow. The state has already expanded Medicaid, which might help some transition to lower-cost options.
Advocates are calling for emergency action when Congress returns in January. Bipartisan talks could lead to a short-term extension, buying time for long-term fixes.
In the meantime, residents are advised to review their plans and explore alternatives like employer-sponsored insurance or marketplace options.
Health policy analysts note that similar premium threats in past years led to last-minute deals, offering a glimmer of hope.
What This Means for You
As the deadline passes, Coloradans should check their eligibility for other aid programs. Resources like local health departments and nonprofit groups can provide guidance on navigating changes.
This issue ties into ongoing debates about health care affordability, especially with inflation still affecting household budgets. Staying informed could help families prepare for 2026.
Share this article with friends facing similar concerns, and comment below on how these changes might affect you. Your input could spark important discussions.
