Tax Credit Extension Act

This bill extends the premium tax credit (PTC) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, pushing the expiration date for the increased credit from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2028 . This ensures continued financial assistance for health insurance premiums for an additional two years. Furthermore, the legislation modifies the household income cap for eligibility, specifying that the credit applies to incomes up to 700.0 percent of the federal poverty line. A significant provision allows for the advance payment of the premium tax credit directly to individuals, rather than solely to insurance issuers, if the individual elects this option. For those enrolled in bronze-level or catastrophic health plans, the bill introduces a new mechanism: advance payments can be directed to a "Personal HSA" . These specialized health savings accounts are designed to receive only these advance payments or rollovers from other Personal HSAs, and their contributions do not count against standard HSA limits. The bill also introduces a minimum premium responsibility , ensuring that the premium assistance amount does not exceed the monthly premium reduced by a uniform minimum amount. It authorizes necessary appropriations for cost-sharing reduction payments under the Affordable Care Act. Finally, the legislation requires federal agencies to assist health insurance Exchanges in determining the lawful presence and, after 2026, the "eligible alien" status of individuals applying for the premium tax credit, reinforcing that individuals not lawfully present are ineligible.