If you’re feeling confused about the expiration of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs), and the increased cost of your 2026 Marketplace plan premium—you’re not alone. We’re here to help. Use the subsidy calculator below to estimate your monthly premium cost or read through our list of commonly asked questions to better understand how subsidy changes impact you.
Most Marketplace members receive a Premium Tax Credit (PTC) (also called a subsidy) to help cover the cost of their monthly health plan premium. These PTCs are determined based on income and family size. With PTCs, you share the cost of your monthly premium payment with the government, each paying a portion of your monthly premium.
What are Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs)
In 2021, the government introduced an extended version of Premium Tax Credits called Enhanced Premium Tax Credits. The enhancement? The government paid a greater or “enhanced” portion of your monthly premium cost each month, meaning you paid less. This cost-sharing process made health insurance more affordable and accessible for many folks. In fact, around 90% of members on Marketplace plans in 2025 received EPTC subsidies.
What Changed? Why is my 2026 Premium So Much Higher?
EPTCs were established with an end date. On December 31, 2025, these subsidies expired, meaning you’re now responsible for a larger share of your monthly premium payment without the buffer of government assistance. The share of cost you pay each month is significantly higher now, often around 75% more than what you were paying for the same plan premium and services at the close of 2025.
How much will my Marketplace premium increase without EPTCs?
Estimate your monthly premium cost with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidy calculator.
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I make over 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL). What will my premium be?
If your income is over 400% of the FPL (around $63,000 for individuals or $129,000 for a family of four) you will no longer receive any premium tax credits to assist with your monthly premium payment. More than half of the folks in this category are between the ages of 50 to 64 years old.
I don’t receive Premium Tax Credits or Enhanced Premium Tax Credits. Will my premium still go up?
Yes. With the end of enhancements, low utilizers on health insurance plans are expected to be among the first to drop their coverage as premiums rise. This will tilt the balance of remaining members in favor of those with higher healthcare costs. Members with higher healthcare costs are more expensive to insure and that will impact premium rates for everyone on Marketplace plans.
Who is affected by the end of EPTCs?
Nearly 22 million people will be impacted—some navigating higher premium costs and some losing coverage altogether. Folks without access to employer-covered health insurance will be affected as well as contract, part-time and gig workers, small business owners, the self-employed, construction or seasonal workers in labor industries and countless others.
What can I do to lower my monthly premium?
You can switch to a lower-premium Marketplace health plan during open enrollment from November 1 to January 15. View SummaCare’s Gold, Silver and Bronze plans to find a plan with the services you need with a more affordable premium price.
Nearing age 65? You can enroll in one of SummaCare’s seven Medicare Advantage plans that offer the comprehensive coverage you need, the benefits you want and health and wellness perks as a bonus.