In 2026, Americans are projected to face steep increases in health care costs as the direct result of congressional Republicans’ policy choices. The Republican majorities in Congress have repeatedly rejected efforts to extend enhanced premium tax credits for Affordable Care Act marketplace shoppers during the budget reconciliation process and again this month. At the same time, the Trump administration finalized harmful regulations that will shrink health insurance marketplace enrollment and increase out-of-pocket costs, and insurers are citing the Trump administration’s tariffs, including those expected on prescription drugs, as drivers of premium increases for 2026. The Trump administration’s Big “Beautiful” Bill went even further, slashing Medicaid and Medicare in ways that will leave millions uninsured, shift billions in uncompensated care costs back onto hospitals and other care providers, and raise costs for patients.
Congressional Republicans’ health care agenda is driving up premiums, guaranteeing that families will pay more for less.
Join the Center for American Progress Action Fund on September 29, 2025, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. EDT to examine the true cost of the Republican health care agenda and to highlight what’s at stake if Congress fails to act.