House Passes Health Insurance Tax Credit Extension; Northern Colorado Awaits Senate Action
The U.S. House of Representatives voted this week to extend the Affordable Care Act's Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, which expired Dec. 31, 2025, in a bipartisan measure aimed at preventing health insurance premiums from doubling or tripling for families across Colorado and the nation. The bill now requires Senate approval, with northern Colorado households facing potential premium spikes of 114% to 300% if lawmakers do not act quickly.
Without Senate action, nearly 250,000 Coloradans—including thousands in Larimer and Weld counties—could face premium increases exceeding 100% or lose coverage entirely, according to the Colorado Governor's Office.
"Today's bipartisan vote in the House is a critical step forward for families who are already struggling with the cost of health care, and it shows there is real momentum to protect people from devastating premium increases," said Governor Jared Polis in a statement. "But the job is not done. The Senate must act quickly to pass an extension of these tax credits so families aren't forced to pay double or triple for their health coverage or, worse, forgo health insurance entirely."
For northern Colorado residents who buy their own health insurance, the potential impact is substantial. A family paying $500 monthly could face bills of $1,140 to $2,000 under the projected increases, based on the Governor's Office projections. Actual increases will vary by plan and income level.
Polis has been pushing for action since June, sending a letter to Colorado's delegation in September urging an extension. Polis held roundtables in Grand Junction and Colorado Springs to discuss the tax credit's impact on local economies and workers facing steep increases.
Colorado House members Joe Crow, Diana DeGette, Jeff Hurd, Joe Neguse, and Jena Pettersen voted to extend the tax credits, according to the Governor's Office. Representatives Lauren Boebert, Gabe Evans, and Jeff Crank—who represent districts including portions of northern Colorado—voted against the extension.
The tax credits expired Dec. 31, 2025, leaving northern Colorado households exposed to sharp cost increases unless the Senate acts.