TULSA, OKLA. (KTUL) — Hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans may soon face higher health insurance premiums if Congress decides not to renew key federal subsidies.
According to the Oklahoma Insurance Department, premiums for those enrolled in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans could jump by as much as 75% starting in 2026.
Mike Rhoads, Deputy Commissioner of the Oklahoma Insurance Department, emphasized the potential impact if these subsidies are not extended.
“If these subsidies are not extended, you will have a premium impact,” Rhoads said.
The subsidies, which help lower the cost of health insurance for those purchasing coverage through the ACA Marketplace, are set to expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress takes action.
“At the end of 2025, these go away unless Congress enacts a measure to continue them,” Rhoads explained. “So, the impact will be a price increase on premiums for individuals in the ACA Marketplace. Now, we currently have about 300,000 Oklahomans that have this coverage.”
In a statement, the Oklahoma Insurance Department states that if the subsidies expire as scheduled, the average cost of a benchmark silver plan in Oklahoma is expected to increase by 65% — rising from $58 per month to $153 per month in 2026.
Rhoads explained that these potential changes could also cause ripple effects across the healthcare system.
“What may take place is if people cannot afford the premium, they may elect to go uninsured,” Rhoads said. “Now, if you get sick, you probably still go to the hospital, and you don’t have insurance — that will be uncompensated care. Those costs — we call that cost shifting to the rest of the marketplace, and that will raise premiums for everyone.”
As of now, Congress has not made a decision on whether to extend these crucial subsidies.
The Oklahoma Insurance Department is encouraging residents to stay informed about potential changes that could impact their healthcare costs.
