BOULDER, Colo. December 29, 2025— As 2025 comes to a close, Boulder residents enrolled in certain federal assistance programs are preparing for potential changes starting January 1, 2026, primarily centered on health insurance subsidies. Local advocates and officials are highlighting the enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as the most significant program set to expire on December 31.

These enhanced subsidies, expanded through previous legislation and extended through the end of 2025, have significantly reduced health insurance costs for many Coloradans purchasing plans via Connect for Health Colorado. Without congressional action to extend them, premiums for individual marketplace plans are expected to rise substantially in 2026, potentially doubling or more for some enrollees depending on income and location. In Boulder County, where healthcare costs can be higher due to regional factors, thousands of residents could face increased monthly payments.

“Many in our community rely on these subsidies to afford coverage,” said a spokesperson for Boulder County Public Health. “We’re urging people to review their options during open enrollment and explore any available state assistance programs.”

Ongoing federal policy changes have also impacted programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with recent adjustments to eligibility, work requirements, and benefit calculations affecting recipients statewide, including in Boulder. However, core SNAP benefits continue without a specific December 31 cutoff.

The Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), a federally supported initiative helping with winter heating costs, operates on a seasonal basis from November 1 to April 30 and is not expiring at year’s end. Applications for the current season remain open.

City and Boulder County officials report no immediate disruptions to essential services such as food assistance or housing programs tied directly to December 31. University of Colorado Boulder and local federal research facilities, including NOAA and NIST labs, operate under separate fiscal cycles with no confirmed year-end terminations.

Residents are advised to visit Connect for Health Colorado for health plan updates before the January deadline, contact Boulder County Human Services for SNAP or other assistance inquiries, or check cdhs.colorado.gov for LEAP details.

Boulder Channel 1 News will monitor developments in Congress and provide updates on any last-minute changes affecting local families.