A recent report by Sen. Maria Cantwell’s office shows many health insurance customers who rely on Affordable Care Act provisions will see big cost increases in 2026.
“This is a chance to peek over the border to see what’s coming for Washington state,” wrote Calley Hair, deputy director of communications for Cantwell’s office.
In Idaho, open enrollment began Wednesday, while most other states will begin Nov. 1.
Those changes are a result of the nonrenewal of enhanced premium tax credit under the U.S. House reconciliation package. It is a key point of contention between Republicans and Democrats that led to the government shutdown Oct. 1.
Established by the Affordable Care Act, premium tax credits provide financial assistance for health insurance coverage for people who make up to 400% of the federal poverty line.
In 2021, “enhanced” credits expanded the number of those credits, and who was eligible.
A September assessment by the Kaiser Family Foundation estimated that ACA premiums would more than double without the renewal of those tax credits.
Early data from Your Health Idaho seems to reflect that assessment. For instance, a 45-year-old adult earning $40,000 in Lewiston and supporting a child would see their net premiums increase from $61 a month in 2025 to $203 per month in 2026.
In another example provided by Cantwell’s office, a 55- and 51-year-old couple in Idaho Falls earning $65,000 would see their monthly cost increase from $350 to $539.
A 30-year-old in Coeur d’Alene earning $40,000 would see their monthly cost increase from $154 to $287.
Customers can compare plans on the Your Health Idaho website at idahohix.yourhealthidaho.org/prescreener.
Sun may be contacted at rsun@lmtribune.com or on X @Rachel_M_Sun. This report is made in partnership with Northwest Public Broadcasting, the Lewiston Tribune and the Moscow-Pullman Daily News.
Cantwell warns of steep health insurance hikes ahead
