Governor McKee Blasts Congressional Republicans as Rhode Islanders Face Rising Health Care Costs During First Full Week of Open Enrollment

PROVIDENCE, RI – As Rhode Islanders enter the first full week of Open Enrollment for HealthSource RI, over 40,000 residents are discovering they will be faced with higher health insurance premiums in 2026 because Congressional Republicans are allowing the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits to expire.

“Washington Republicans are making health care more expensive and less accessible. Allowing these tax credits to expire will push many families to the breaking point,” said Governor Dan McKee. “President Trump has a responsibility to get his party to the table, prevent these massive spikes in health care costs, and end the shutdown.”

The enhanced premium tax credits have helped keep coverage affordable for over 40,000 Rhode Islanders. Without these credits, many families will see their monthly premiums double on average, with some rising by $200 to $400. As a result, enrollees are expected to lose an estimated $59.3 million in total federal assistance in 2026.

Over 13,000 Rhode Islanders could lose their insurance altogether. The loss of enrollment would mean that an additional $70 million in federal support would no longer flow into the state to keep health care affordable. Most of this money ultimately goes into Rhode Island’s health care system to cover services provided by local doctors, hospitals, and community providers.

The expiring tax credits will impact Rhode Islanders of all walks of life. See the following scenarios:

• A 25-year-old living in Woonsocket, working two part-time jobs earning about $27,388 annually (175% of the Federal Poverty Level or “FPL”) will see his monthly premium increase from $22 to $124 (a 464%, $102 per month increase). This new, more costly premium will account for 5% of his monthly income.
• Unfortunately, our older Rhode Islanders will also experience steep increases due to the expiration of these tax credits. A newly retired Warwick resident earning about $62,650 annually from her 401K (400% FPL) will see her monthly premium increase from $427 to $1,077 (a 152%, $650 per month increase). Her new monthly premium accounts for 21% of her monthly income, forcing her to make painful decisions about her housing, food, and other necessary expenses.
• Similarly, a couple in their mid-thirties with one child will face difficult choices about their health coverage and household budget. While their child qualifies for Medicaid, they are each self-employed and need to purchase coverage through HealthSource RI. However, when enhanced APTCs expire, they will see their monthly premium increase from $215 to $470 (a 119%, $255 per month increase), representing 8% of their monthly income. With their family budget already stretched, they may consider disenrolling, likely leading them to delay or defer care and putting them at risk for large medical costs in the event of an emergency.