Statement of Libby Jones, Associate Vice President, Overdose Prevention Initiative at the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, on the ACA Premium Tax Credit Expiration

“On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, congressional leaders confirmed the House will not vote this week to extend the enhanced ACA premium tax credits. As House leaders put it, “In the end, there was not an agreement.” 

In real terms, that means Congress is allowing health coverage to become unaffordable for millions of people who rely on it to stay in treatment, stay stable and stay alive. If the enhanced credits expire, premiums will jump overnight for people already priced at the edge. 

According to the Congressional Budget Office, delaying an extension would leave 1.5 million more people uninsured in 2026. For people with substance use disorder, coverage is not abstract - it pays for methadone, buprenorphine, counseling and follow-up care. Evidence shows overdose risk is far lower while people remain in treatment, yet insurance disruptions are common during recovery. 

Congress does not need a perfect agreement to meet a basic duty of protection. Bring the extension to a vote now, keep coverage continuous and prevent avoidable loss of life.” 

About the Overdose Prevention Initiative 

Established in 2021, the Overdose Prevention Initiative at the Global Health Advocacy Incubator advances policy solutions that save lives and end the U.S. overdose crisis. The Initiative is dedicated to reducing inequities and disparities in addiction care and expanding access to harm reduction services and addiction treatment. 

The Overdose Prevention Initiative is funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies and is a partnership between the Global Health Advocacy Incubator and the Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund. For questions, please contact Lindsey Goggin at lgoggin@advocacyincubator.org.