Expiration of federal health insurance subsidies: What to know in California

"Thousands of middle-class Californians who depend on the state-run health insurance marketplace face premiums that are thousands of dollars higher than last year because enhanced federal subsidies that began during the COVID-19 pandemic have expired. Despite fears that more people would go without coverage with the end of the extra benefits, the number enrolling in Covered California has held steady so far, according to state data. But that may change."

"Altman said that even though the extra benefits ended Dec. 31, 92% of enrollees continue to receive government subsidies to help pay for their health insurance. Nearly half qualify for health insurance that costs $10 or less per month. And 17% of Californians renewing their Covered California policies will pay nothing for premiums if they keep their current plan. The deadline to sign up for 2026 benefits is Saturday."

"In 2021, Congress voted to temporarily to boost the amount of subsidies Americans could receive for an ACA plan. The law also expanded the program to families who had more money. Before the vote, only Americans with incomes below 400% of the federal poverty level - currently $62,600 a year for a single person or $128,600 for a family of four - were eligible for ACA subsidies. The 2021 vote eliminated the income cap and limited the cost of premiums for those"

Thousands of middle-class Californians who obtain coverage through Covered California face premiums thousands of dollars higher after enhanced federal subsidies that began during the COVID-19 pandemic expired Dec. 31. Enrollment in Covered California has held steady so far, but officials expect some people to drop coverage once higher bills arrive. About 92% of enrollees still receive government subsidies, nearly half qualify for plans costing $10 or less per month, and 17% of renewals will have no premium if enrollees keep their current plan. The temporary 2021 subsidy expansion removed the 400% federal poverty level eligibility cap and limited premium costs for higher-income families. The deadline to sign up for 2026 benefits is Saturday.

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