Supreme Court continues tax credits in Healthcare.gov states

Special to The SUN

Last week, in its ruling on King v. Burwell, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the government’s position, meaning the advance premium tax credits (APTC) will continue for consumers in the 36 states that use the federal health exchange, known as Healthcare.gov.

However, Colorado does not use Healthcare.gov. In 2011, Colorado’s legislature created a state-based exchange — now known as Connect for Health Colorado. The main question arising in this court case, the legality of APTCs for states that use the federal exchange, does not apply to Colorado and other states operating their own exchanges.

“This is a good day for consumers,” said Insurance Commissioner Marguerite Salazar. “Tax credits make health insurance more affordable for many people and now consumers in other states get to keep them. This means we can stop wondering about this ruling and DOI will continue with reviewing health plans for 2016.”