SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

Covered California, the state’s program for health plans under the Affordable Care Act, is getting ready for potential fallout if federal authorities opt not to extend health care subsidies that were put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Jessica Altman, the executive director of Covered California, the program currently enrolls nearly 2 million residents. She mentioned, “If these enhanced tax credits come to an end, we could see around 400,000 enrollees deciding to either forgo insurance or search for other options.” It’s concerning, Altman noted, that they can’t simply wait around given the current uncertainties about Congress potentially extending these credits.

She emphasized that if the federal government doesn’t extend the subsidies, now is the right moment for those covered by California’s program to reassess their choices and stay updated.