SMOOTH Payments Act

This legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify eligibility for the premium tax credit, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026. It stipulates that a qualified health plan will not be eligible for the premium tax credit if its issuer does not offer at least one plan providing specific cost-sharing options. These options include allowing enrollees to pay $0 in cost-sharing at the time of service and subsequently pay their cost-sharing obligations through capped monthly payments . The monthly payment cap would be similar to that in Medicare Part D or as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This measure aims to ease the immediate financial burden of healthcare costs for individuals utilizing premium tax credits.