Three changes are hitting at once
First, the enhanced premium tax credits that made Marketplace plans unusually affordable from 2021 through 2025 expired on January 1, 2026. Subsidies reverted to the original, smaller formula, and the income cap returned: households above four times the federal poverty level get no premium help at all. Most families renewing this year saw their monthly payment rise, some sharply.
Second, a rule specific to newer immigrants ended. Before 2026, a lawfully present immigrant with income below the poverty level — for example, someone in Medicaid’s five-year waiting period — could still get subsidized Marketplace coverage. That exception is gone. For 2026, premium help requires income at or above the federal poverty level, which is $15,650 for one person or $32,150 for a family of four.
Third, and most important for our community: starting with 2027 plans, premium tax credits will be limited to U.S. citizens, green card holders, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and COFA residents. Refugees, asylees, and people with TPS and several other humanitarian statuses will no longer qualify for premium help — even with qualifying income. They can still buy Marketplace plans, but at full price.
Who should act, and when
If you are a refugee or asylee currently on a subsidized plan, the enrollment period in fall 2026 is your decision point for 2027. Options may include adjusting household enrollment, employer coverage if available, or restructuring which family members are on which plan — every family’s answer is different. If your income is near the poverty line, get your eligibility re-checked before assuming anything; being $50 a month over or under the line now changes everything.
And if you lost Medicaid this year — many Texans did — remember the 60-day window: losing coverage is a qualifying event that lets you enroll outside the normal season, but only for 60 days.
What we're doing about it
Our team re-checks eligibility for free, in your language, in about two minutes. We would rather tell you now than have you discover a full-price premium in January. If any of the situations above sounds like yours, contact us before the fall.
Educational information only — not legal or tax advice. Rules vary by state and situation and may change; figures cited are for 2026. Talk to a licensed advisor about your case. Sources: KFF, healthinsurance.org, Georgetown CHIR (2025–2026).