WASHINGTON, D.C.—The nation’s leading organizations from across the health care spectrum are calling on Congress to extend the expanded Affordable Care Act (ACA) health care premium tax credits.
The groups, which include the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, AARP, American Heart Association, AHIP, American Medical Association, American Nurses Association, National Association of Community Health Centers, and the National Rural Health Association, represent tens of millions of patients, consumers, physicians, nurses, health centers, and health insurance providers. They warn in a letter to Congressional leadership that without a premium tax credit extension, ACA enrollees will face “premium shock” and millions will become uninsured.
“Failure to pass legislation extending the American Rescue Plan’s ACA premium tax credits will mean that enrollees’ premiums will increase by double digit levels. For example, a couple over the age of 50 with earnings of $75,000 would see their premium increase by $700 a month, over $8,000 a year,” reads the letter.
The consequence of inaction will result in at least 3 million more uninsured Americans, who will be unable to afford the care they need. More uninsured Americans will mean more uncompensated care, which the groups say will result in major costs and coverage consequences and will create a generally destabilized insurance market in 2023 and beyond.
“We are united in our strong belief that Congress should act without delay to avoid the unacceptable health care outcomes associated with inaction.”
Read the letter in its entirety.
