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.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
SMOOTH Payments Act
USA119th CongressHR-9455| House
| Updated: 6/25/2026
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.