Five things to know about expiring federal health care subsidies:

1. Expiration Date: The enhanced federal health care subsidies, which were introduced as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in 2021, are set to expire at the end of 2025 unless extended by Congress.
2. Impact on Consumers: If the subsidies expire, millions of Americans who receive financial assistance to purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces will face significant increases in their premiums, making health care less affordable for many.
3. Subsidy Eligibility: The ARPA subsidies expanded eligibility for financial assistance to more people, including those with higher incomes, and increased the amount of assistance available to those who were already eligible. If the subsidies expire, these individuals and families may no longer be eligible for the same level of financial assistance.
4. Potential Consequences: The expiration of the subsidies could lead to a decrease in health insurance enrollment, as some people may no longer be able to afford coverage. This could have negative consequences for the overall health and well-being of affected individuals, as well as the stability of the health insurance market.
5. Legislative Uncertainty: The future of the federal health care subsidies is uncertain, as Congress has not yet acted to extend or make permanent the enhanced subsidies. Lawmakers are debating various proposals to address the issue, but it is unclear what action, if any, will be taken before the subsidies expire.