The Senate’s Next Move Could Decide Health Insurance Affordability
As 2026 begins, many Texas families, self-employed workers, and small business owners are facing renewed uncertainty about the cost of health insurance. The reason is simple: the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits, which helped lower monthly premiums and expand access to coverage, have expired without permanent congressional action.
These enhanced premium tax credits were first expanded during the pandemic and later extended on a temporary basis. For millions of Texans, they made the difference between affordable coverage and premiums that strained household budgets. Their expiration now means higher out-of-pocket costs, fewer affordable plan options, and greater instability in the individual insurance market—at a time when healthcare costs continue to rise across the board.
In Congress, action has begun but is not yet complete. The U.S. House of Representatives has advanced legislation to extend the enhanced premium tax credits, signaling recognition of how critical these subsidies are for working families and small employers. However, the legislation must still pass the U.S. Senate and be signed into law before the enhanced credits can be restored. Until that happens, Texans remain in limbo, unsure how long they can absorb higher premiums or whether coverage will remain within reach.
For the enhanced premium tax credits to move forward, the Senate must act. A bipartisan vote to extend these credits would provide immediate relief to families and small businesses while helping stabilize the insurance marketplace and prevent coverage losses.
Texans for Affordable Healthcare is calling on advocates across the state to make their voices heard. We urge you to contact Senator Ted Cruz and Senator John Cornyn and encourage them to support extending the enhanced premium tax credits. This is not a partisan issue: it is a practical solution that helps working Texans afford coverage, supports small businesses, and prevents healthcare costs from climbing even higher.
Take Action Now: Send a Note to Sen. Ted Cruz and Sen. John Cornyn
Texans deserve certainty and affordability when it comes to healthcare. Timely action from the Senate can help ensure families are not forced to choose between coverage and other basic needs.