"[CMS] is working to expand access to catastrophic health coverage in the Federally-facilitated Exchange (FFE) through additional hardship exemption guidance, specifically designed to help consumers access coverage as a result of the premium increases anticipated for the 2026 plan year. This guidance describes circumstances that will support a hardship exemption for individuals who find themselves ineligible for advance payments of the premium tax credit (APTC) or cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) due to their projected annual household incomes, enabling access to more affordable, catastrophic coverage."  MORE >>