Rep. Underwood Slams Donald Trump and House Republicans for Exploding the Cost of Health Coverage

WASHINGTON – This Friday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Illinois is seeking to raise the cost of health coverage premiums by 27 percent next year, in response to the December 31, 2025 expiration of premium tax credits for people who purchase their own health care on the ACA marketplaces. KFF reports similar increases in states across the country, with premiums increasing between 8-24%.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 4.2 million Americans will lose their coverage as a direct result of these cost increases. Americans can expect to see notifications from their coverage providers informing them about increased costs this Fall.

These popular tax credits have put affordable health care within reach for a record-breaking number of American families, and come from Rep. Underwood’s legislation, the Health Care Affordability Act. On Wednesday, Underwood slammed Trump and House Republicans for refusing to extend them, leading to these soaring costs, and stripping millions of American from their coverage:

“The cost of health care coverage for working families is about to explode as a direct result of Republicans’ refusal to extend these popular tax credits,” Underwood said. “In just a few months, millions of Americans will be notified that the cost of their coverage has skyrocketed and is no longer affordable. They will go without care, people will die, and the record-breaking gains we have made in getting more Americans affordable health care will be wiped away. Republicans’ refusal to extend these savings is cruel and the consequences will be devastating.”

The Health Care Affordability Act

Underwood’s legislation has made popular tax credits for people who purchase their health coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces more generous and available to more Americans. As a result, families of four with Marketplace plans are saving an average of $2,400 on their annual health care premiums.

The cost savings have led to a record-breaking and historic expansion of health care coverage. Over 24 million people signed up for health care through the Affordable Care Act this year, including 3.2 million new people – a historic gain in coverage. And four in five Americans have found health coverage for $10 or less per month.

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