Covered California premiums to double in cost for most enrollees

"With health insurance open enrollment kicking off Saturday, Tara and Todd Nicklous were stunned to discover that their health insurance premium purchased through the Affordable Care Act will skyrocket from $923 to a jaw-dropping $3,264 per month next year. "My gut sunk," Tara Nicklous, 56, said. The couple, who run a real estate appraisal business, had qualified for coverage after former President Joe Biden expanded Affordable Care Act tax credits during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 and for the next four years."

"The couple, who run a real estate appraisal business, had qualified for coverage after former President Joe Biden expanded Affordable Care Act tax credits during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 and for the next four years. Those credits, set to expire at the end of the year, are now at the heart of the ongoing federal government shutdown. Democrats won't vote to reopen the federal government unless Republicans extend the credits, and Republicans refuse to negotiate until the government reopens."

"Many residents will see premiums triple in cost, including middle-income Californians who have benefited from the expanded ACA tax credits. Democrats say the health tax credits are critical for patients and cite estimates that they've helped double enrollment in the Affordable Care Act nationally. Republicans have said they're a boondoggle that has benefited immigrants without legal status, who are ineligible for the federally funded coverage."

Tara and Todd Nicklous learned their ACA premium will rise from $923 to $3,264 per month next year. Tara relies on expensive treatments for a blood cancer and the couple saved to cover next year’s premium while tightening their budget. Former President Joe Biden expanded ACA tax credits during the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in 2021; those credits are set to expire at the end of the year. The credits are tied to a federal government shutdown standoff between Democrats and Republicans. Covered California projects statewide premiums will double on average by the end of 2025, with many residents facing triple costs. Democrats say the credits helped double ACA enrollment nationally; Republicans call them a boondoggle benefiting ineligible immigrants.

Read at The Mercury News