GRAND JUNCTION, CO ~ Grand Junction, CO - Governor Jared Polis held a discussion today in Grand Junction with small business owners, employees, health care providers, and local leaders to address the potential consequences for Colorado families and communities if Congress fails to extend the Enhanced Premium Tax Credit (EPTC) before the end of September. The Governor was joined by various individuals, including small business owners, non-profit and chamber leaders, and local elected officials, who shared their concerns about the impact on Western Slope businesses and residents who rely on the Affordable Care Act marketplace for health insurance.

During the discussion, Governor Polis stressed that Coloradans on the Western Slope already face some of the highest health insurance premiums in the country. If Congress does not take action to extend the tax credit, these costs could double or even triple for many families. This would result in small business owners being forced to go without coverage, employees paying thousands more out of pocket, and rural hospitals struggling to keep up with demand.

According to data from the Colorado Division of Insurance, families in Mesa County who currently qualify for tax credits could see their premiums rise by 170%, while those in Garfield County could face a 262% increase. Families in Delta and Montrose Counties could see their premiums rise by more than 330% if the tax credit is allowed to expire. These significant increases would not only leave more Coloradans uninsured but also drive up uncompensated care costs for local hospitals.

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Governor Polis emphasized that while Colorado has taken steps to mitigate the impact of losing the tax credit - such as signing HB25B-1006 Improve Affordability Private Health Insurance during the August Special Session - state action alone cannot fully offset federal inaction. Only Congress has the power to prevent massive premium increases that will affect Coloradans starting on January 1st, 2026.

The Governor also highlighted that during the August Special Session, he signed a bill sponsored by Representative Kyle Brown, Representative Lindsay Gilchrist, Senator Iman Jodeh, and Senator Kyle Mullica to strengthen the reinsurance program and reduce private insurance costs. However, this alone is not enough to prevent the devastating consequences of losing the EPTC.

In conclusion, Governor Polis urged Congress to take immediate action and extend the Enhanced Premium Tax Credit before the end of September. Failure to do so would have severe consequences for Colorado families and communities, especially those on the Western Slope. The Governor's call for action was echoed by small business owners, health care providers, and local leaders who all emphasized the urgent need for Congress to act in order to protect Coloradans' access to affordable health insurance.

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