End of enhanced premium tax credits prompts major changes to 2026 health plans
The enhanced premium tax credits are unlikely to be renewed by the US Congress and are set to expire on December 31, 2025. These additional coverage dollars, which came out of the American Rescue Plan in 2021, have made health plans more affordable for millions of Individual health plan purchasers across the country.
Knowing that the US Congress was unlikely to pass an extension of these enhanced tax credits, the state of Washington proactively passed an Emergency Ruling in March of 2025 to bring in more federal subsidy dollars to the state. This ruling is an attempt to soften the impact of what will be an inevitable premium increase due to the loss of the enhanced premium tax credits.
As a result of the Emergency Ruling, the way we think about health plan products themselves will also change. Where in the past a Silver plan meant a comparatively moderate cost for moderate benefits, in 2026 it will be the highest cost of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze plan options. This change in the value of each metal level is due to something called Silver loading.
Gold
Gold plans will be a more affordable option with better cost shares than Silver for just about all members.
Silver
Silver loading pushes premiums higher for Silver plans while maintaining the same comparatively moderate benefits, resulting in a plan with higher costs than Gold. The exception to this is for people eligible by way of income for a Silver Cost-Sharing Reduction (CSR) plan, which are versions of the Silver plans that have lower member cost shares. You will be shown these plans if you are eligible for them when you are shopping.
Bronze
Members with Bronze plans may see more value by moving to Gold as premium prices between the two plans will be closer than they were before. This will be true only by changing from a LifeWise Essential Bronze or Cascade Bronze to a LifeWise Cascade Select Vital Gold in areas of Washington state where those options coexist. It will also be true if you are on a Bronze plan with another health plan.
As you can see, Gold is the 2026 value leader.
Use our handy Quick Quote tool for tailored plan details and pricing.
We’re here to help
Plan changes for 2026 may be confusing. We get it. Our customer service team of plan experts and brokers are standing by to answer questions and help you find the best value in a plan that fits your needs. There is no charge for assistance from our customer service team or brokers.
Call LifeWise customer service at 800-817-3056.
Key open enrollment dates
November 1, 2025, through December 15, 2025: Open enrollment period for coverage that begins January 1, 2026.
December 16, 2025, through January 15, 2026: Open enrollment extension period for coverage that begins February 1, 2026.
Elevating your experience
Whether you are new to LifeWise, a current member, or coming back for another look, we’re always working to bring more plan value and expand access to timely, personalized care. For 2026, LifeWise health plans are available in 31 Washington counties. There are now 16 member-exclusive Kinwell clients statewide, all offer virtual care appointments from anywhere. Plus, we have upgraded tools to help make our member experience simpler and more efficient.
- Our all-new account portal brings a faster, easier, and mobile-friendly experience to account management.
- An upgraded Quick-Quote tool is streamlined and more efficient than ever, with customized plan options that are easier to read and understand.
- Our website, relaunched in 2024, now offers member-inspired improvements in navigation, search, and under-the-hood upgrades that speed up your entire site experience.
We look forward to serving you in 2026.