H.R. 6232 — HOPE Act

This section extends and modifies the enhanced premium tax credit—available through 2025 to reduce required household contributions for Affordable Care Act (ACA) Exchange health insurance premiums—for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and before January 1, 2028. (1) Revises the premium percentage table to the following initial and final percentages (expressed as a percent of household income): 0.0-0.0% (up to 150% of federal poverty line [FPL]), 0.0-2.0% (150-200% FPL), 2.0-4.0% (200-250% FPL), 4.0-6.0% (250-300% FPL), 6.0-8.5% (300-400% FPL), 8.5-8.5% (400-600% FPL), 8.5-9.0% (600-800% FPL), and 9.0-9.35% (800-935% FPL); and (2) disregards prior affordability adjustments under current law clause (ii). (Thus, post-2025 law reverts to a 400% FPL eligibility cap with higher contribution rates of up to 9.83%; these changes retain lower rates up to 935% FPL.) This section also extends eligibility for the credit to households with income up to 935% FPL (from 400% post-2025).

This section imposes new civil and criminal penalties on agents and brokers who negligently, knowingly, or willfully provide incorrect or fraudulent information in applications for enrollment in qualified health plans (QHPs) through American Health Benefit Exchanges (Exchanges). Specifically, it establishes civil penalties of $10,000–$50,000 per individual for negligence or disregard of rules (in addition to other penalties); up to $200,000 per individual for knowing violations (with procedures mirroring those under SSA section 1128A); and criminal penalties including fines under 18 U.S.C. and imprisonment for up to 10 years for knowing and willful violations. The section further requires the Secretary, for plan years beginning no later than January 1, 2029, in Exchanges operated by the Secretary under ACA section 1321(c)(1) (i.e., federally-facilitated Exchanges), to establish a verification process for new enrollments in, and coverage changes under, QHPs submitted by agents or brokers eligible for commissions. (Thus, the process delays commissions until inconsistencies are resolved; requires documentation of enrollee consent, such as a standardized form; ensures QHP access to relevant information; mandates timely notices to individuals of changes (with instructions to cancel unauthorized activity); and provides individuals access to account details—including agent of record and plan changes—via website or hotline.)

This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise regulations to extend the annual open enrollment period for American Health Benefit Exchanges for plan year 2026 to May 15, 2026 (from January 15, 2026), beginning November 1, 2025. (Thus, consumers have an additional four months to enroll in or change qualified health plans on the ACA Exchanges.)