The "Capping Costs for Consumers Act of 2026" seeks to significantly enhance the affordability of health insurance plans offered through an Exchange. A primary change is the shift, effective January 1, 2028, from using silver-level health plans as the benchmark for calculating cost-sharing reductions and premium tax credits to using more generous gold-level plans . This adjustment means that eligible individuals will receive greater financial assistance to reduce their out-of-pocket healthcare costs and lower their monthly premiums. Specifically, the bill expands income eligibility for enhanced cost-sharing reductions, increasing the plan's share of costs for individuals with household incomes up to 400% of the federal poverty line. For instance, those between 150% and 300% FPL will see the plan's share increase to 87%, and those between 300% and 400% FPL will receive an 85% plan share. The legislation also ensures dedicated funding for these expanded cost-sharing reductions, aiming to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for a broader range of consumers.