End-of-Year Update: WSMA on Enhanced Premium Tax Credits

Throughout 2025, the WSMA has been closely tracking Congress’s efforts around enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits-the subsidies that have helped keep health insurance affordable for millions of Americans, including many in Washington. Enhanced credits enacted during the pandemic and extended through this year are set to expire on Dec. 31, risking significant premium increases and coverage disruptions for patients if not extended.

The WSMA has expressed support during meetings with Washington’s congressional delegation, followed by written correspondence, and has urged WSMA members to reach out to lawmakers. Thank you to those of you who took the time to respond to our calls to action.

Last week in the U.S. Senate, lawmakers voted on competing proposals to address the expiration. Both the Democratic plan to extend the enhanced credits for three years and a Republican alternative that sought to deposit funds directly into health savings accounts failed to secure the 60 votes needed under Senate rules, effectively leaving the enhanced credits set to lapse and creating uncertainty about costs for 2026.

This week in the U.S. House of Representatives, after discussion of one or more votes being brought up to address health care affordability, House Republican leadership announced on Tuesday that no deal was in place and further consideration of the issue would be deferred indefinitely.

We will continue to monitor these developments and advocate for policies that preserve patient access to affordable coverage and minimize downstream impacts on physicians and practices. Stay tuned for updates early in the new year as Congress resumes work.