Supporters urge state credit to replace expired enhanced ACA premium tax credits
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Summary
Sen. John Kavanaugh and health advocates told the Revenue Committee LB931 would create a state tax credit to offset the expiration of enhanced federal APTCs, arguing rising premiums and enrollment losses (an estimated 8,000 fewer marketplace enrollees) justify state relief.
Senator John Kavanaugh introduced LB931 to replace, at the state level, the enhanced advanced premium tax credits (APTCs) that expired at the federal level. He outlined the mechanism of the federal credits (eligibility 100–400% FPL) and said the enhanced credits previously removed the 400% cliff, making coverage more affordable.
Sarah Marash of Nebraska Appleseed testified that since open enrollment, about 8,000 fewer Nebraskans enrolled in marketplace coverage after the enhanced APTCs expired; she said families and individuals face higher premiums, worse coverage choices, and increasing medical debt as a result. Kavanaugh and witnesses cited KFF/Kaiser charts and internal fiscal analyses showing large premium increases for typical family income bands and warned of broader pressure on the insurance pool as healthier people leave the marketplace.
Proponents asked the committee to advance LB931 to mitigate these coverage losses; no in‑person opponents testified at the hearing. Committee members requested further fiscal detail and discussion of coverage mechanics during follow‑up.
