How the “Big, Beautiful Bill” will affect your 2026 Health Insurance- What You Need to Know

There’s been a lot of talk in the news about the new “Big Beautiful Bill” passed by Congress and how it will affect health insurance in Oregon. Here’s what you need to know in simple terms:

Subsidies AKA Tax Credits for 2026. The extra subsidies (that lowered premiums during Covid) are set to expire at the end of 2025.

Example: Before Covid, a couple age 60 could qualify for a subsidy with income around $62,000. During Covid, that limit increased to about $180,000. Unless Congress acts, subsidies return to pre-Covid levels in 2026. This may mean may mean lower subsidies and higher premiums for some starting January 1, 2026.

Open Enrollment (Nov 1 – Dec 15, 2025). About 20% of clients auto-renew their plans. Please don’t do this! You will not auto-renew for 2026.

It’s important to:

Log into Healthcare.gov
Update your income projection
Review available plans

I’ll be available during Open Enrollment to assist you. Contact me and I will send a link to my calendar, beginning early October. There is not cost for my services.

If you choose to do it on your own please leave me listed as your agent. That enables me to help you in the future. Just put in my identification number NPN:6357279.

Something Good For Bronze Plans: HSA Eligibility. Starting Jan 1, 2026, all Bronze plans will qualify for a Health Savings Account (HSA). An HSA is a special savings or checking account:

Contribute pre-tax money
Withdraw tax-free for medical, dental, vision, prescriptions, and even alternative care
I’m happy to discuss this during our meeting.

Preview 2026 Rates. Around Oct 25, 2025, you can preview plans and subsidies at www.healthcare.gov/see-plans.

Final Thought: Things always change with health insurance. My job is to keep you informed and help you make the best decision for your situation each year.

Christopher Levesque with Health Partners NW has been helping individuals and families with their healthcare needs since 2003. To set up an appointment, call 503-336-3307 or visit healthpartnersnw.com