NRHA, 28 organizations send letter to Congress on ePTCs extension

The National Rural Health Association along with 28 other organizations, sent a letter to congressional leadership urging Congress to extend enhanced premium tax credits (ePTCs) before they expire on Dec. 31.

If ePTCs expire, an estimated 4 million people will lose coverage in 2026 alone, with rural communities feeling these losses most acutely. Rural county residents would see premium costs rise by 107 percent on average, compared to 89 percent for urban residents.

Additionally, specific to rural hospitals, estimates are that net patient revenues would decline by $1.6 billion, uncompensated care costs would increase by more than 10 percent, and operating margins would decline by nearly 10 percent in 2026.  

This letter emphasizes the importance of immediate congressional action to permanently extend the ePTCs and preserve affordable coverage for America’s rural families. To add your voice into the conversation, please participate in NRHA’s advocacy campaign to urge Congress to extend and renew ePTCs.

For more information on ePTCs and rural health, review NRHA's leave-behind document.