Without Congress extending ACA subsidies by Dec. 31, Colorado residents could face 28% premium hikes in 2026.

With open enrollment for health insurance beginning November 1, Colorado officials warn that hundreds of thousands of residents could face sharply higher premiums unless Congress extends the Affordable Care Act’s federal subsidies by December 31. Without renewal, average premiums could rise 28% statewide and up to 38% in rural areas, with some households seeing costs double or triple. State leaders, including Governor Jared Polis and Connect for Health CEO Kevin Patterson, say Congress still has time to act, though political deadlock and a government shutdown have stalled progress. Colorado has prepared a temporary $45 million stopgap plan, but officials stress it’s only a short-term fix. They urge swift action to prevent a major disruption in the health insurance market.