Shaheen: ACA Marketplace Premium Price Hikes Will Devastate Working Families if Congress Doesn’t Act

**Insurers' initial rate filings show Affordable Care Act Marketplace plans will increase by a median of 18% for 2026**

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), lead author of bicameral legislation that would permanently extend enhanced premium tax credits that help tens of millions of Americans afford health insurance, released the following statement on a new Kaiser Family Foundation analysis warning that Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans could raise premiums by a median of 18% across all 50 states in 2026. Insurers cited the potential expiration of ACA enhanced premium tax credits as a significant factor in the rate hikes.

“With insurers now set to hike premiums in every state across this country, and with Republican cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act becoming law last month, it is clear now more than ever that Congress must prioritize lowering health care costs before it’s too late.

“At a time when Americans are already grappling with the high cost of living, these premium price hikes will devastate working families trying to make ends meet. When Congress returns next month, it’s imperative that we have honest, good-faith discussions about extending the ACA enhanced premium tax credits that have been a lifeline for tens of millions of Americans. If President Trump and Congressional Republicans fail to join Democrats in extending these tax credits, over four million Americans could lose their health insurance and another 20 million could see significant price hikes. The clock is ticking.”

Shaheen champions efforts in Congress to make health care more affordable and accessible for Granite Staters and all Americans. Shaheen’s first bill introduction this Congress was her landmark Health Care Affordability Act—bicameral legislation with Senator Baldwin and U.S. Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-IL) to permanently extend enhanced premium tax credits for Marketplace coverage that have lowered health care costs for millions of Americans. Last week, Shaheen delivered remarks alongside her Senate colleagues about the consequences of allowing the vital tax credits to expire at the end of this year.

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