Financial help for health coverage

Members have until Jan. 15, 2026, to select the plan that works best for them. If they do not pay for their plan, it will be canceled, and members will not be able to enroll for coverage until 2027. That is why members should be checking their eligibility and choosing the plan that works best for them now while there is still time.

As you fill out your health plan application on BCBSND.com, your answers may prompt a notification to finish the process with a BCBSND customer service rep. That person can help you:

• Determine your eligibility
• Choose and apply for a health plan that works with the premium tax credits
• Complete your government application for the subsidies

You may qualify for cost savings. Get a Quote and Calculate Your Savings

Members can log in to their HealthCare.gov account and view their premium details to determine their monthly credit amount, which reflects either the standard or enhanced tax credit.

Members can also use the premium calculator and determine their eligibility for tax credits and changes from the enhanced premium tax credit expiring.

Members of congress need to know what it would mean for you if health care premiums increased for you in 2026. Keep Americans Covered has a message form you can use. 

Possibly. If the enhanced APTCs are not extended, your monthly premium may increase. We encourage you to check out Keep Americans Covered’s calculator.

No. Only enhanced APTC are set to expire. Standard APTC are still available to those who are eligible. 

The expiration of the enhanced version of the premium tax credits will increase premiums, some as high as 93% in rural counties. This increase would force many to drop coverage altogether, increasing the number of uninsured North Dakotans by an estimated 45,000.

BCBSND has joined Keep America Covered coalition to continue advocating for affordable coverage options for our members. Additionally, BCBSND will continue to advocate for North Dakotans in Washington, D.C. We are committed to keeping you up to date with information as the federal government comes to a conclusion.

We support the extension of enhanced premium tax credits and stand ready to help leaders in Washington as they work toward a bipartisan solution that safeguards coverage and offers truly affordable options. Visit Blue Cross Blue Shield Association for more details on the potential expiration and a call to extend these credits.

In addition, we are:

• Advising elected officials on solutions to protect coverage
• Participating in coalitions for enhanced premium tax credits, like Keep Americans Covered
• Monitoring CMS guidance and legislative updates
• Ensuring our systems are ready for potential changes

There are two types of government subsidies that lower the cost of health coverage for those who qualify:

• The Advanced Premium Tax Credit (APTC)—the government pays a portion of your monthly insurance premium
• Cost Sharing Reduction—each time you use health care services, the government helps pay a portion of your out-of-pocket costs

When you buy your health plan, applying for the subsidies will be part of the process.

The subsidies are designed to assist people who don’t have access to affordable health insurance through their workplace but earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid.

You may qualify for APTC, Cost Sharing Reduction or both types of tax credits. It depends on:

• How your income compares to the federal poverty level
• Your family size
• Whether or not you have access to affordable health insurance from an employer or other source

There are other criteria, but the main factor is your income. Check the chart below for details.

• If your income falls within the first range, you may qualify for a premium tax credit.
• If your income fits into the second range, you may also qualify for the cost sharing.

U.S. Health and Human Services 2025 POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines

Your premium tax credit amount may change when your family or income status changes, including:

• Increases or decreases in your household income
• Marriage
• Divorce
• Birth or adoption of a child
• Becoming eligible or ineligible for health insurance through an employer or government program

If you have BCBSND insurance when you have a life change, we can help you recalculate your benefit.

BCBSND agents can help you determine your benefit amount, fill out the necessary forms and apply for coverage. 

Yes. If you do get a credit, you must report it on your taxes using a 1095 form.

BCBSND offers several plans, especially for individuals looking for the most affordable option. 

• Bronze Plans: These are lower-cost plans that still offer quality coverage. Bronze plans are an alternative for individuals who don’t expect to need a lot of medical care during the year. 
• Catastrophic Plans: These plans are only for people under 30 or those who qualify for special reasons, like financial hardship. The plans have very low monthly payments but high deductibles. They’re meant to help in worst-case situations, like a serious illness or accident. They cover important services like checkups, emergency care and three doctor visits each year – even before meeting the deductible.