Congress’s failure to extend enhanced premium tax credits leaves Georgia families exposed
ATLANTA, GA — Georgians for a Healthy Future released the following statement after Congress failed to extend the enhanced premium tax credits, a decision that is likely to result in the expiration of these affordability protections in 20 days and result in higher health insurance costs for many Georgia families.
The enhanced premium tax credits are the primary tool that help families purchase comprehensive coverage on the health insurance marketplace and keep monthly premiums affordable for nearly all (95%) Georgia Access enrollees. The vote comes just days before the December 15 deadline for Georgians to enroll in health plans that begin on January 1. The failed vote creates uncertainty during a critical period when many families are making final decisions about their 2026 coverage and relying on these credits to keep premiums affordable.
Statement from Georgians for a Healthy Future Director of Health Policy Whitney Griggs:
“Congress’s failure to extend the enhanced premium tax credits leaves Georgia families exposed to steep and avoidable premium increases in 2026. Average premiums for subsidized Georgia consumers are expected to nearly triple, rising from 275 dollars to 814 dollars per month. For families with incomes below 250 percent of the federal poverty level, premiums are projected to jump more than 500 percent. These increases are simply unaffordable for many households, especially in rural communities where options and resources are already limited. Without these protections, up to 460,000 Georgians could lose their coverage, and rural hospitals and clinics will face even greater financial strain.”