Marketplace Users Should Prepare for 2026 Cost Increases
Chehalem Insurance Associates is urging residents to review income projections early as federal changes could significantly increase 2026 Marketplace costs.
NEWBERG, Ore. -Chehalem Insurance Associates is warning that health insurance costs could rise sharply in 2026 as enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits are set to expire at the end of next year, potentially doubling premiums for many Marketplace enrollees.
The enhanced credits, created in 2021 and later extended through 2025 under the Inflation Reduction Act, expanded financial assistance for people buying insurance through Healthcare.gov. The program not only increased subsidies for eligible low- and moderate-income households but also opened tax credits to many middle-income families who previously earned too much to qualify.
“If these enhanced premium tax credits expire as scheduled, premiums in 2026 will be more than double what many Oregonians are paying today,” said Om Thippayaphorn Sukheenai of Chehalem Insurance Associates. “It’s going to be a major change for anyone who relies on the Marketplace for coverage.”
Another significant shift will arrive with the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which eliminates repayment caps on excess federal subsidies. Under current rules, enrollees who end up earning more than they projected on their Marketplace application are only required to repay a limited portion of their excess advance premium tax credits. Beginning in 2026, they will owe the entire amount.
Sukheenai said that makes accurate income reporting more important than ever.
“People will need to project their 2026 income as carefully as possible and check again mid-year,” she said. “If your income changes, update it in Healthcare.gov or contact an agent so your subsidy can be adjusted. Otherwise, you could owe back hundreds of dollars.”
The end of enhanced tax credits will coincide with additional eligibility changes affecting immigrants. Beginning in 2026, lawfully present immigrants within their first five years in the United States and earning below the federal poverty level will no longer qualify for Marketplace subsidies. To receive financial assistance, their household income will need to meet or exceed the 2025 federal poverty level — $15,650 for a single adult or $32,150 for a family of four in most states.
“Medicaid applications are also going to get more complex,” Sukheenai said. “These changes will especially impact newly arrived families who previously relied on subsidized Marketplace plans.”
There is one piece of positive news: starting in 2026, enrollees with Bronze or Catastrophic Marketplace plans will be eligible to contribute to Health Savings Accounts.
Chehalem Insurance Associates recently added a new agent, Preston Gullum, and encourages residents with questions to reach out early. “The rules are changing fast,” Sukheenai said. “2026 is going to look very different, and people need to prepare now.”
Sukheenai encourages anyone worried about health coverage to call them for pricing and/or to get help selecting the right plan. You can reach them on the phone at (503) 538-6022 or visit chehaleminsurance.com to schedule a free consultation.
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Reviewing plans, inputting your information, and selecting a plan are critically important during the AEP for Medicare or OEP for individual and Family health insurance. We care and we commit to help you. It’s time for you to take action. Call us for a free consultation at (503) 538-6022 or visit www.ChehalemInsurance.com