A recent report by U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell’s office shows that many health insurance customers who rely on Affordable Care Act provisions in Idaho could see big cost increases in 2026.
“This is a chance to peek over the border to see what's coming for Washington state,” wrote Calley Hair, deputy director of communications for Cantwell’s office.
In Idaho, open enrollment began on Wednesday, while most other states will begin their open enrollment on Nov. 1.
Those changes are a result of the nonrenewal of the enhanced premium tax credit under the U.S. House reconciliation package. It’s a key point of contention between Republicans and Democrats that led to the government shutdown on Oct. 1.
Established by the Affordable Care Act, premium tax credits provide financial assistance for health insurance coverage for people who make up to 400% of the federal poverty line.
In 2021, “enhanced” credits expanded the number of those credits, and who was eligible.
A September assessment by the Kaiser Family Foundation estimated that ACA premiums would more than double without the renewal of those tax credits.
Early data from Your Health Idaho seems to reflect that assessment.
For instance, a 45-year-old earning $40,000 in Lewiston and supporting a child would see their net premiums increase from $61 a month in 2025 to about $200 per month in 2026.
In another example provided by Cantwell’s office, a 55- and 51-year-old couple in Idaho Falls earning $65,000 would see their monthly premium cost increase from $350 to $539.
