How much Pennie health insurance premiums will increase in Lehigh Valley if ACA subsidies expire

Lehigh County residents who receive their health insurance through Pennsylvania's online marketplace, Pennie, can expect their monthly premiums to more than double if Congress doesn't extend tax credits that expire at the end of this year.

These tax credits have become one of the battlegrounds between Republicans and Democrats over next year's federal budget, leading to the present government shutdown. The Republican budget bill puts new rules on enrollment and does not extend the enhanced premium tax credits implemented by the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act.

The nearly 500,000 Pennsylvanians who buy their plans through Pennie's individual marketplace will see an average 102% increase in the cost of their premiums. But those increases vary wildly, according to the state; for example, a 60-year-old married couple in York County with $82,000 in annual income would see their yearly premiums skyrocket from $7,032 to $35,712 per year.

According to Pennie, the greater Lehigh Valley region will see some of the most dramatic premium cost increases in the state. In Lehigh County, monthly costs are projected to go up about $330, or 205%. Schuylkill County residents can expect a an average increase of $347, or 186%. Northampton, Monroe and Carbon counties can also expect relatively substantial increases of $317, $284 and $303, respectively, to the costs of monthly premiums.

Bucks County residents would see the smallest average increase in monthly premiums at $134, or 66%.

Open enrollment begins Nov. 1.

According to the Urban Institute, about 7.3 million fewer people will receive subsidized marketplace coverage in 2026 if enhanced premium tax credits are not extended, and 4.8 million will become uninsured.

The enhanced premium tax credits help cover the cost of a plan on the marketplace for those who qualify, making some more expensive and comprehensive plans more attainable for some.

"Congress still has the ability to act to protect Pennsylvania families, as well as families across the country," Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys said in a statement. "Now, more than ever, we encourage consumers to shop when Open Enrollment begins this November."

(C)2025 The Morning Call. Visit mcall.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.