The clock is ticking for Americans as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment period ends today in most states. With millions of Americans in limbo, Congress is grappling with the fate of tax subsidies designed to lower Obamacare insurance costs. The enhanced ACA premium tax credits, which expired on December 31, have been a central issue in the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, lasting six weeks. The House recently approved a measure to extend these credits for three years, but the Republican-controlled Senate has rejected a similar plan, and a bipartisan compromise is still in the works. Meanwhile, President Trump has proposed a new healthcare plan that aims to send money directly to Americans and lower premiums. The deadline to sign up for health insurance through the ACA marketplace is January 15 for most states, but 10 states are offering extended enrollment periods. For those yet to enroll, the higher costs are a significant concern. Nonprofit health group KFF estimates that Obamacare premiums could more than double for over 20 million Americans who previously received tax credits. Some individuals are dropping their ACA coverage due to steep costs, like Florida resident Stacy Kanas, who cited cost-prohibitive premiums. ACA premiums for 'silver' plans have jumped nearly 22% in 2026, while employer-sponsored plans are projected to rise by no more than 7%. As of January 12, 22.8 million people had enrolled in ACA marketplace plans, down from the previous year. Congress has the power to extend the credits even after open enrollment ends, as the ACA premium subsidies are refundable tax credits calculated annually. An extension could be made retroactive to January 1, and state and federal marketplaces would update their systems accordingly. However, any mid-year changes to the ACA tax credits could complicate the process and slow down the reopening of enrollment and premium relief.
