JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As 2026 begins, millions of Americans are facing higher health insurance costs after enhanced tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, expired at the end of 2025.
The credits, which Congress failed to extend, helped lower monthly premiums by thousands of dollars for more than 20 million people nationwide. Without them, experts warn, many families may be forced to drop coverage altogether.
The enhanced subsidies were first expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic to help people who don’t qualify for Medicaid but still struggle to afford private insurance. The expiration at the start of 2026 removes a critical layer of financial support for working families…