Advocacy Issue: Enhanced Premium Tax Credits

The federal government offers enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs or tax credits) to help some individuals and families purchase insurance on the health insurance marketplaces. These 2021 tax credits — due to expire in 2025 — have resulted in an additional 10 million people gaining coverage through the health insurance marketplaces and others receiving assistance paying their health insurance costs.

AHA Position

In support of the health of our patients and communities, as well as the stability of the entire health care system, the AHA urges Congress to extend the enhanced premium tax credits.

Protect Access to Care: Reject cuts to the Medicaid program and premium hikes on working families. If Congress cuts Medicaid, hospitals would see significant imparts that vary by policy: Per Capita Caps for All Medicaid Population: 1-Year National Hospital Impact in 2026 -$47.6 billion; 10-Year National Hospital Impact through 2024: -$468.1 billion. Per Capita Caps for Expansion Population: 1-Year National Hospital Impact in 2026 -$18.9 billion; 10-Year National Hospital Impact through 2024: -$199.9 billion. Eliminate Enhanced FMAP for Expansion Population: 1-Year National Hospital Impact in 2026 -$32 billion; 10-Year National Hospital Impact through 2024: -$360.6 billion. Reduce FMAP Statutory Floor to 45%: 1-Year National Hospital Impact in 2026 -$7.3 billion; 10-Year National Hospital Impact through 2024: -$78.4 billion. Limit Provider Taxes to 5%: 1-Year National Hospital Impact in 2026 -$3 billion; 10-Year National Hospital Impact through 2024: -$32.8 billion. If the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs) expire: 2.2 million individuals are at risk of becoming uninsured in 2026; 4 million individuals are facing higher costs due to loss of Marketplace coverage in 2026; $705 average per person increase in annual premiums in 2026; -$28.2 billion reduction in spending on hospitals over 10 years.

Key Resources