FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
JAN. 8, 2026 
CONTACT: Jack Cardinal, jcardinal@communitycatalyst.org  

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following passage of an extension of the enhanced premium tax credits by House Democrats and a handful of Republicans, Michelle Sternthal, Interim Senior Director of Policy and Strategy at Community Catalyst, issued the following statement: 

“Bipartisan action in the House demonstrates an understanding of the widespread and worsening harm and political outrage occurring because of Congress’ inaction in dealing with the growing health care crisis in this nation. Despite politicians running for office on platforms of lowering prices and making things more affordable, Congress has done nothing for more than a year now to lower the skyrocketing cost of health care in this country. In fact, Republicans made the problem far worse by gutting Medicaid and tearing health care away from millions of people. Today’s vote was an important step towards making health care more affordable. Now, the Senate must stop playing political games and act.  

“If Congress is serious about lowering costs and addressing the health care crisis, they should immediately pass a permanent, clean extension of these tax credits and repeal the dangerous health care cuts in the so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’ Because affordable, accessible care isn’t just good policy — it’s the foundation of a stronger, more resilient people, economy, and nation.” 

Background — Data, Enrollment Trends, and Public Opinion 

  • Enrollment under Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans has roughly doubled since enhanced subsidies were introduced in 2021, rising from about 12 million people to over 24 million in 2025. 
  • Now that enhanced tax credits have technically expired, many families will face steep premium increases. For example: a family of four earning about $45,000 (roughly 140% of the federal poverty level) with a $0 premium in 2025 could see annual premiums jump to about $1,607 in 2026. 
  • Among the public, support for extending the enhanced tax credits remains strong and bipartisan: a recent KFF Health Tracking Poll found that 74% of the public back extension of the expiring credits. 
  • Among current Marketplace enrollees, support is also overwhelming: nearly all Democrats, around 8 in 10 independents, and about 7 in 10 Republicans say credits should be extended — illustrating that the demand for affordable coverage spans beyond partisan lines. 

Why This Matters — Connecting the Data to Real Impacts 

  • The surge in enrollment signals that millions of people relied on enhanced subsidies to obtain or keep coverage. As subsidies vanish, many face prohibitively high premiums and out-of-pocket costs — threatening access to care for working families, older adults, and those just above the poverty threshold. 
  • The significant public and enrollee support for extending credits underscores that this is not just a partisan policy fight — it’s a matter with broad public backing. That makes any congressional decision to let the credits expire not just a policy failure, but a break from public will. 
  • Given that so many people stand to lose affordable health insurance, the end of the enhanced credits is likely to fuel a new wave of medical debt, increase uninsurance rates, and deepen inequities — especially among low-income, immigrant, and historically excluded communities. 

The loss of affordable coverage doesn’t just raise premiums — it creates the conditions for predatory behavior across the health system. When people can’t afford care upfront, they are more likely to be steered into deferred interest medical credit cards, payment plans with hidden fees, or aggressive collections practices. At the same time, rising uncompensated care accelerates rural hospital closures and fuels the growing influence of private equity and consolidation, which in turn drives prices up and access down — especially for reproductive and maternal health care and other essential services. 

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About Community Catalyst: 

Community Catalyst is a leading non-profit national health advocacy organization dedicated to advancing a movement for race equity and health justice. We partner with local, state and national advocates to leverage and build power so all people can influence decisions that affect their health. Health systems will not be accountable to people without a fully engaged and organized community voice. That’s why we work every day to ensure people’s interests are represented wherever important decisions about health and health care are made: in communities, state houses and on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit www.communitycatalyst.org.