# Easy Enrollment in Health Care Act: What It Actually Does

This bill creates a new way for people to sign up for health insurance when they file their taxes. Starting in 2026, when you file your federal income tax return, you'll have the option to tell the government if you or anyone in your household doesn't have health insurance. If you give permission, the IRS will share information from your tax return with health insurance programs to figure out if you qualify for free or low-cost coverage. If you do qualify and don't actively choose a different plan, you'll automatically be enrolled in a health plan that costs zero dollars per month in premiums.

The key benefit here is convenience and automatic enrollment. Instead of having to separately apply for Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or subsidized plans through the healthcare marketplace, you can handle it all when you're already doing your taxes. The bill specifically targets people who don't currently have insurance and makes enrollment automatic for those who qualify for zero-premium plans—meaning if you meet the income requirements and don't opt out, you're covered. This is designed to catch people who might otherwise fall through the cracks because they didn't know they qualified or found the application process too complicated.

There are some important details about how this works. You'll need to fill out a supplemental form with additional information like your state, date of birth, and employment status. The bill protects your privacy by prohibiting questions about citizenship, immigration status, or health conditions. You'll also have a window of time to choose a different plan or decline coverage if you want to. Tax preparers who help you file won't be responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information you provide for this program—they're just passing it along.

The bill aims to reduce the number of uninsured Americans by removing barriers to enrollment. Rather than requiring people to navigate multiple websites and applications, it leverages a process most people already do annually. However, it's important to note that you have to actively consent to this—it's not automatic unless you choose to participate when filing your taxes.

Easy Enrollment in Health Care Act

Bera, Ami

Easy Enrollment in Health Care Act This bill revises the procedures related to enrollment in health insurance affordability programs, including Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and state-operated Basic Health Programs. The bill provides funding to support the changes. Specifically, the bill permits individuals who do not have minimum essential coverage to, in conjunction with filing their tax return, determine whether any members of their household are eligible for an insurance affordability program and enroll in minimum essential coverage. The bill makes individuals eligible for Medicaid or CHIP based on a prior finding of eligibility for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Additionally, the bill provides access to certain information to support enrollment in insurance affordability programs.