After six long weeks of uncertainty, the federal government shutdown ended Wednesday night. While we are relieved to see essential federal workers receive pay and SNAP recipients receive their overdue benefits, Alabamians’ health care is still at risk. 

More than 400,000 Alabamians purchase health coverage from the ACA Marketplace. Under HR 1 (also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act), the enhanced premium tax credits (ePTCs) that make Marketplace plans affordable will expire at the end of the year. We are asking Congress to take action now to prevent health care costs from soaring. 

Already, we’ve seen estimated monthly premiums skyrocket. Our storyteller Virginia's current monthly premium for her Healthcare.gov Marketplace plan, after tax credits, is $383.26. Last month, Virginia learned that the cost for the exact same plan without any credits next year will be $821.20. And other Alabamians are facing even steeper increases. 

Take action to protect affordable coverage. Call your representatives and senators today to urge Congress to support the estimated 200,000 Alabamians who likely won’t be able to afford health coverage without these tax credits.  

And if you have not yet, please join more than 1,200 Alabamians who have signed our petition to protect affordable coverage.