Without an extension, the ACA enhanced premium tax credits will expire at the end of this year, causing the cost of ACA Marketplace health coverage to increase dramatically for millions of Americans. “These tax credits are absolutely critical to Alabama,” said Debbie Smith, Alabama Arise’s Cover Alabama campaign director. Smith also emphasized how important the tax credits can be for small businesses and their employees, as many lack access to employer-based health insurance. Without the ePTCs, small businesses across Alabama could lose access to quality health coverage. Cover Alabama has also started a petition calling on Alabama’s congressional delegation to support the inclusion of a tax credit extension in the ongoing budget negotiations.