Enhancement of premium assistance credit

(a) Use of gold level plan for benchmark (1) In general Clause (i) of section 36B(b)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking applicable second lowest cost silver plan and inserting applicable second lowest cost gold plan. (2) Conforming amendment related to affordability Section 36B(c)(4)(C)(i)(I) of such Code is amended by striking second lowest cost silver plan and inserting second lowest cost gold plan. (3) Other conforming amendments Subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 36B(b)(3) of such Code are each amended by striking silver plan each place it appears in the text and the heading and inserting gold plan. (b) Permanent extension of eligibility rules (1) In general Section 36B(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking but does not exceed 400 percent, and (B) by striking subparagraph (E). (2) Determination of applicable percentage Subparagraph (A) of section 36B(b)(3) of such Code is amended by striking all that precedes the table in clause (iii)(II) and inserting the following: (A) Applicable percentage For purposes of paragraph (2), except as provided in clause (ii), the applicable percentage for any taxable year shall be the percentage such that the applicable percentage for any taxpayer whose household income is within an income tier specified in the following table shall increase, on a sliding scale in a linear manner, from the initial premium percentage to the final premium percentage specified in such table for such income tier:. (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.