TL/DR –
Open enrollment for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans has begun in Idaho, providing a preview of the increased monthly premiums expected in 2026. The expiration of the enhanced subsidies that kept premiums lower for many middle-class families will force many, like retirees Bob and Leslie McMichael, to decide if they can still afford coverage. More than 100,000 people in Idaho received enhanced subsidies this year, and approximately 25,000 Idahoans are predicted to drop their coverage next year if the subsidies expire on December 31.
Idaho Previews Possible ACA Premium Hikes Amid Expiring Enhanced Subsidies
Wednesday marked the beginning of open enrollment for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans in Idaho, providing an early look at potential premium increases nationwide slated for 2026. As the enhanced subsidies, which have kept premiums lower for many middle-class families, are set to expire at the end of the year, many Idahoans must now decide if they can still afford their coverage.
Such is the case for retired couple Bob and Leslie McMichael, who learned their monthly premium would jump from $51 to $2,232 next year without the subsidies, prompting them to appeal to Idaho Senator Mike Crapo for an extension of these subsidies. The fate of the enhanced subsidies has become a central issue in the ongoing Congress budget negotiations and, if not renewed, average out-of-pocket premiums are expected to rise by $1,200 a year in Idaho.
A large number of Idahoans are expected to face doubled premiums or more, according to Hillarie Matlock, policy director of nonprofit group Idaho Voices for Children. Around 87% of all state ACA enrollees, or more than 100,000 people, received enhanced subsidies this year, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data. Pat Kelly, executive director of Your Health Idaho, estimates that about 25,000 Idahoans may drop their ACA coverage next year if subsidies expire on December 31.
As an example of the potential impact, Gideon Lukens from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities shared that a 60-year-old couple earning $85,000 a year in Idaho could see about a $1,500 increase in their monthly out-of-pocket premiums. Even families who do not qualify for tax credits are likely to see an average premium increase of 18% as insurers raise rates for next year.
A real-world case involves Mark and Sarah Lathrop from Idaho who, despite a 21% increase in their monthly premium for 2026, plan to keep their coverage due to a needed annual medical monitoring. “While we have already cut back on travel and dining expenses, we don’t anticipate this will be as bad for us as for those losing tax credits,” said Mark Lathrop.
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