Health Insurance Nightmares

[jcam222]

Here is how I see it. Its not fully locked in till open enrollment ends. I have messed around on the CO marketplace after my consultant and I met and chose a plan (in previous years) to just check a few things and make sure I was solid on the decision. In CO I can change it as many times as I like till Dec 15.

If the government decided to extend the tax credits before open enrollment ends, I assume the market places will need to correct/reduce the monthly billable amount based on the additional credits. If they cant get it together till after Dec 15 then who knows. =MESSY AF.

My estimated costs for 2026 on my current plan just doubled to $334/month! The tax credit is pretty much identical ($15 less). Seems messed up that the plan cost went up so much. But given all that has happened in 2025 - I just cant go without ins.

Are those credits that are reflected actually approved?

 

[sandyut]

Are those credits that are reflected actually approved?

I think so...its hard to tell. But from what I researched in the last couple weeks I found this: "Standard tax credits" will remain in place for anyone with a MAGI of less than or equal to 4Xproverty level.
"Enhanced tax credits" are what is still set to expire at years end.
Our MAGI is pretty low since we are retired. I found some online calculators and the credit shown seems to likely be correct. Which I really hope is true. If I get no credits my monthly ins will run $830/month and thats gonna hurt.

 

[thirdeye]

Here is how I see it. Its not fully locked in till open enrollment ends.

That is good to hear. In my ACA years... WY only had one provider Blue Cross, so that limited the options.

If the government decided to extend the tax credits before open enrollment ends, I assume the market places will need to correct/reduce the monthly billable amount based on the additional credits

But the "adjusted" premiums are still in the hands of the provider. If Congress drags their feet too long, I would hope any adjustment to premiums is retroactive.

 

[sandyut]

But the "adjusted" premiums are still in the hands of the provider. If Congress drags their feet too long, I would hope any adjustment to premiums is retroactive.

We can only hope! Its rough out there.

 

[thirdeye]

Our MAGI is pretty low since we are retired. I found some online calculators and the credit shown seems to likely be correct. Which I really hope is true. If I get no credits my monthly ins will run $830/month and thats gonna hurt.

That's the sticker shock I was afraid of. Thinking out loud... the options are to draw down your emergency fund to keep MAGI in check, or withdraw (carefully) from IRAs which counts as cap gains.

 

[DougE]

On my new plan, co-pay for primary care is $0, Specialist copay went down. I will now get $350.00 for glasses, up from the $100.00 on my old plan. Free yearly wellness checkup and eye exams as always, $2500 toward dental.

Out of pocket max about the same for non-covered expenses.