Via Coalition on Human Needs (CHN):
Last year, voters went to the polls with a very clear message: they want lower costs and better economic security.
Huge margins want the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits extended, which have been keeping health insurance more affordable for tens of millions of people. A poll conducted a few weeks ago by a firm that has worked for President Trump found that 70% want the credits extended (only 20% do not).1
Since last year’s election, Republicans have passed a budget that hands tax breaks to billionaires, but they refuse to renew tax credits that have been helping people afford health care. They’ve gutted basic needs programs like Medicaid and SNAP while families struggle to make ends meet. And now millions of people are at risk of going uninsured due to skyrocketing out-of-pocket costs.
The enhanced premium tax credits, which expire December 31st, have greatly expanded the number of people who can afford health insurance through the ACA marketplace, including offering $0 premiums on plans with decent health coverage for people living at or near the federal poverty line. Without those tax credits, that same plan will cost between $28 and $82 per month, plus co-pays.2 $82 per month is almost $1,000 per year for a single adult earning as little as $23,475 annually. That’s tough to afford when rent, food, and heat swallow up most of your income. Without the enhanced tax credits, a family of three earning about $40,000 would go from paying no premium to an annual cost of $1,675. A 60-year old couple with an income of $85,000 would see their annual premiums skyrocket from $7,225 to $31,846.3
The Senate is expected to vote on extending enhanced ACA premium tax credits. 60 votes are needed. The House needs 218. They need to hear from us right now.
