ACA Enrollment Deadline Nears Amid Congressional Stalemate on Tax Credit Extension
By Mary Cunningham, CBS News
As of today, January 15, the enrollment period for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans closes in most states, leaving millions of Americans uncertain about their health insurance futures amid ongoing political gridlock in Washington. The crux of the issue lies in Congress’s failure to reach a consensus on whether to extend enhanced premium tax credits that help lower the cost of ACA marketplace coverage.
Tax Credit Dispute Sparks Government Shutdown and Enrollment Crunch
The premium tax credits, which were expanded during the previous administration to make Obamacare plans more affordable, officially expired on December 31, 2025. Their expiration has contributed to escalating tensions in Congress. The dispute was a primary factor behind the six-week longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
Last week, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan measure to extend the tax credits for three years. The vote saw 17 Republicans joining Democrats in support. However, the measure now faces significant obstacles in the Republican-controlled Senate, which had already rejected a prior proposal with a similar three-year extension plan.
A bipartisan group of senators has been negotiating a compromise aimed at a two-year extension of the subsidies. Yet, as of Thursday, GOP senators indicated that negotiations have stalled without significant progress.
President Proposes New Health Care Plan
Amid the ongoing congressional debate, former President Trump unveiled a new health care proposal on Thursday. According to the White House, the plan aims to "send money directly to the American people, lower health insurance premiums and cut kickbacks that raise insurance premiums." Details remain limited, and the proposal’s prospects remain uncertain as the ACA enrollment deadline approaches.
Extended Enrollment for Select States
Most states adhere to today’s deadline for ACA enrollment, but ten states have chosen to keep their marketplaces open for longer to accommodate residents affected by the ongoing uncertainty. These states include:
- California: January 31
- Connecticut: January 31
- District of Columbia: January 31
- Massachusetts: January 23
- Illinois: January 31
- New Jersey: January 31
- New York: January 31
- Pennsylvania: January 31
- Rhode Island: January 31
- Virginia: January 30
These extensions provide additional time for residents to select plans amid rising premium costs and political uncertainty.
Rising Premium Costs and Enrollment Declines
The failure to extend tax credits has triggered steep increases in health insurance premiums for many ACA enrollees. Estimates from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) warn that premiums could more than double in 2026 for the more than 20 million Americans who previously benefited from the subsidies.
For example, premiums for "silver" ACA plans—the second lowest-cost coverage tier—have risen nearly 22% in 2026, according to analysis by the Urban Institute. In comparison, employer-sponsored health insurance premiums are expected to increase by no more than 7% this year.
Michelle Sternthal, interim senior director of policy and strategy at Community Catalyst, a health advocacy group, summarized the situation: "We are in a health care affordability crisis. When Congress failed to extend the enhanced premium tax credits, premiums spiked overnight."
The enrollment numbers reflect this strain. Data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services show that as of January 12, 22.8 million people had enrolled in ACA marketplace plans—a decrease of 1.4 million compared to the same time last year.
Personal Impact: Americans Struggle With Rising Costs
Some Americans are choosing to drop ACA coverage entirely due to increased costs. Stacy Kanas, a 59-year-old Florida resident, shared with CBS News that her family will not renew their ACA plan: "That is why we’re not choosing to be covered at this time. It’s cost-prohibitive."
Prospects for Extending Tax Credits Post-Enrollment
Experts note there is technically no deadline for Congress to extend ACA premium tax credits, meaning a legislative solution could still be enacted retroactively for 2026, even after today’s enrollment deadline.
Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at KFF, explained in a recent blog post that, should Congress act afterward, marketplaces would likely update their systems and reopen enrollment periods to allow Americans to adjust their coverage. However, Levitt cautioned that changes made mid-year could complicate logistics and delay premium relief.
What’s Next?
With coverage deadlines passing in most states, Americans face tough decisions as funding battles continue in Congress. The eventual resolution of the premium tax credit extension will crucially determine the affordability and accessibility of health insurance for millions in the coming year.
For those in states with enrollment extensions, today’s deadline may not yet apply, offering a brief window amidst the uncertainty.
Mary Cunningham is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch, with previous experience at “60 Minutes” and CBS News 24/7.
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