For years now, Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTC) have helped families across the United States – including thousands of Alaskans – afford individual healthcare plans. These credits, though, are expected to expire at the end of 2025, meaning many Alaskans may soon face challenges accessing affordable health coverage.  

Alaska’s Unique Healthcare Landscape 

Alaska’s geography and healthcare infrastructure mean that premiums for individual market plans are higher than in many other states. For many Alaskans, ePTC subsidies have played a key role in making this coverage more affordable.  

As we look ahead, it’s important to understand how these changes may affect different communities and to ensure that members are equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate their options. 

Understanding the Potential Impact 

Preliminary insights suggest that if ePTCs are allowed to expire, rural communities, retirees, caregivers, and small business owners may feel the effects of this change most acutely.  

In Premera’s other served market of Washington state, 82% of surveyed members indicated that the loss of these credits would result in them being without a health plan.  

While Alaska’s market is different, it’s safe to expect that many individuals who rely on these credits will find themselves in a similar situation. But it hasn’t come to that yet, and Premera is dedicated to telling the stories of members who are likely to be impacted by the expiration of these credits. 

Member stories from all the communities we serve continue to guide our approach and allow us to paint a picture of the real human impact that is likely to result if ePTCs lapse at the end of the year.  

Are You Impacted By ePTC Expiration? 

Healthcare can be a complicated space to navigate, and some members may not know whether they receive ePTC subsidies or not.  

If you are a member with a Premera Blue Cross individual health plan, you can look at the Current Coverage section of your bill to see if your health plan is subsidized by ePTCs. The relevant line item is highlighted in the sample bill below. 

Our Commitment to Advocacy and Support 

Premera is actively working to ensure that our members are informed, supported, and have their voices heard. Some of the work we’re doing includes 

• Policy Advocacy: We’re sharing compelling data and member stories with congressional representatives to highlight the importance of continued support for affordable coverage. 

• Member Education: We’re developing resources to help members understand how the expiration of ePTC may affect them and what alternative options are available during open enrollment. 

• Community Engagement: Through op-eds, digital outreach, and partnerships with local organizations like Chambers of Commerce, we’re amplifying member voices and building awareness across Alaska.  

If you are a Premera member in Alaska whose access to care is likely to be impacted by these changes, we would be honored to help share your story. You may receive a text message from us in the coming days that will provide you with an opportunity to tell us your story. If you don’t want to wait, you can also share your story at www.premeralistens.com.  

Thanks for being a Premera member and stay tuned for more details. As the future of ePTCs becomes clear, we will have more to share on the work we’re doing to keep healthcare accessible and affordable for all the members we serve.