Why Molli Beats ACA Plans as Tax Credits Expire in 2026

For years, many self-employed individuals have relied on enhanced ACA tax credits to make their marketplace health insurance premiums more affordable. These expanded subsidies, initially introduced under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and later extended under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), helped millions of Americans reduce their monthly costs.

But beginning with the 2026 plan year, those enhanced subsidies are scheduled to expire. That means many freelancers, gig workers, and self-employed professionals will face significant premium increases, unpredictable out-of-pocket expenses, and more complicated enrollment decisions.

According to a major analysis, the expiration of subsidy enhancements will particularly impact middle-income consumers, those who often earn too much to qualify for subsidies under standard ACA rules but still don’t have employer-sponsored coverage.

With this shift, many independent workers are asking: Is the ACA marketplace still my best option?

For a growing number, the answer is no.

That’s where Molli Health comes in.

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1. ACA Premiums Are Expected to Rise Without Enhanced Subsidies

ACA premiums have been increasing steadily for years, but enhanced tax credits masked much of that increase from 2021–2025.

Once the enhancements expire, many enrollees—especially those earning 300–400% of the Federal Poverty Level—will see:

• Higher monthly premiums
• Reduced cost-sharing support
• More volatile year-to-year pricing
• Smaller or no tax credits at all

Some marketplace enrollees could see hundreds of dollars more per month in premiums, depending on location and age.

This creates an unstable budgeting environment for freelancers who already deal with fluctuating income.

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2. Molli Offers Pricing That’s Predictable and Not Tied to Income

ACA pricing is income-dependent. This means your premium can change dramatically based on:

• How much you earn
• How accurately you estimate your income
• Whether you pick up an extra contract
• Whether you have a slow quarter

If your estimate is off, you may even owe money back at tax time.

Source: HealthCare.gov

Molli Health operates differently:

• Pricing is flat and transparent
• Your premium won’t change if you earn more this year
• Your plan is not linked to income verification or government programs

This makes budgeting easier for freelancers who don’t have steady salaries.

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3. Molli Provides Nationwide Access—Unlike Many Marketplace Plans

Many marketplace plans rely on narrow or regional networks, which may include only select providers or limit care if you travel or move.

A national review shows that 72% of ACA plans feature narrow networks.

Source: KFF

For freelancers who:

• Travel often
• Work remotely
• Split time between cities
• Relocate mid-year

… marketplace networks can be limiting and expensive.

Molli offers nationwide provider access, making it a better fit for:

• Digital nomads
• Travel nurses
• Remote professionals
• Seasonal workers
• Anyone living a location-independent lifestyle

Your coverage travels with you — no network surprises.

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4. No Enrollment Games: Molli Offers Year-Round Access

ACA plans are only available during:

• Open Enrollment (Nov 1 – Jan 15)
• Special Enrollment Periods after qualifying life events

This can leave many freelancers stuck with:

• A bad plan
• No plan
• A plan that doesn’t fit their changing circumstances

Molli offers year-round enrollment, allowing self-employed individuals to:

• Switch when income changes
• Get coverage after a move
• Adjust benefits based on life changes
• Avoid waiting up to a full year for Open Enrollment

This flexibility is essential for independent workers whose lives don’t operate on a rigid corporate schedule.

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5. Molli Protects You from Annual Marketplace Volatility

Marketplace plans change yearly:

• Provider networks
• Premiums
• Out-of-pocket limits
• Prescription tiers
• Covered services
• Deductible structures

These changes are often buried in fine print, leaving consumers unaware of shifts until medical bills arrive.

Most enrollees experience changes to their plan every year—even if the plan name doesn’t change.

Molli eliminates this uncertainty:

• Benefits remain consistent
• Pricing remains predictable
• Networks remain stable
• Mental health and Telehealth benefits remain reliable

When the ACA shifts, your Molli plan does not.

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6. Molli Works Better for Middle-Income Freelancers

The freelancers hit hardest by subsidy cuts will be those who:

• Make too much for traditional ACA subsidies
• Don’t receive employer health benefits
• Want nationwide access
• Value predictable pricing
• Need strong mental health coverage
• Prefer digital-first healthcare
• Want to avoid subsidy repayment risk

This group includes:

• Designers
• Photographers
• Consultants
• Realtors
• Coaches
• Therapists
• Sole proprietors
• Remote workers

Marketplace plans are becoming less predictable for these individuals — while Molli provides clarity.

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The Bottom Line

The expiration of enhanced ACA tax credits in 2026 will reshape the health insurance landscape for millions of self-employed workers. While the marketplace will remain an important option for some, many freelancers will face:

• Higher premiums
• Fewer subsidies
• Narrower networks
• Volatile pricing
• More income-based uncertainty

Molli Health offers a clear, modern, and predictable alternative with:

• Transparent flat-rate pricing
• Nationwide provider access
• Affordable mental health care
• Strong Telehealth support
• Stable annual renewals
• Year-round enrollment

For freelancers who want control, stability, and modern healthcare without subsidy dependence, Molli is one of the smartest choices for 2026 and beyond.

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Enroll with Molli Health

Get predictable, transparent coverage designed for freelancers and self-employed professionals — with no dependency on ACA tax credits.

Check out Molli’s competitive pricing and enroll today.