John,
This Wednesday, the House is expected to vote on a Republican healthcare package that fails the most basic test of responsibility. It does nothing to stop ACA premiums from skyrocketing for tens of millions of families.[1] After months of warnings from insurers, economists, state officials, and families covered by the ACA, House Republicans are moving forward with a bill that simply ignores the problem.
The enhanced ACA premium tax credits are already law. They are already working. They are the reason millions of people can afford coverage today. If Congress lets them expire on January 1st, premiums will more than double for tens of millions of people, forcing families to pay hundreds or even thousands more just to stay insured. Some will be priced out entirely. That outcome is the predictable result of congressional inaction.
The House GOP healthcare package does not include a fix for the expiring subsidies at all, even as insurers finalize rates and warn of steep increases for 2026. Moderate Republicans are privately acknowledging the problem, but leadership is still charging ahead without a true solution.[2] That is not governing. It is willful neglect of an obvious crisis.
There is a simple answer sitting right in front of Congress. Pass a clean renewal of the enhanced ACA premium tax credits. No poison pills. No unrelated provisions. No excuses. Just extend the credits and protect affordable coverage for millions of people.
Tell the House to reject half measures and pass a clean renewal of the ACA premium tax credits now.
House leadership is trying to paper over the problem by advancing a healthcare bill that makes Republicans look busy but fails to address skyrocketing monthly premiums. Even within the GOP caucus, concerns are mounting about the human and political fallout of letting premiums spike. Members know what is coming. They are choosing inaction anyway.
Once higher rates are locked in, families pay the price. Congress cannot wait until after premiums rise to pretend it cares. Every day of delay makes the damage harder to undo and the coverage losses more severe.
Renewing the tax credits is not complicated, and it is not controversial with voters. It is supported by patient advocates, healthcare providers, and state leaders across the country. The only thing standing in the way is a refusal by House Republican leadership to bring a clean extension to the floor.
If Congress fails to act, the consequences will be immediate and widespread. Higher premiums. More uninsured people. More medical debt. All of it is avoidable with a straightforward vote to extend what is already working.
Demand the House pass a clean renewal of the ACA premium tax credits before premiums spike January 1st.
Together, we can force the House to protect affordable healthcare.
David Kass
Executive Director
Americans for Tax Fairness Action Fund
[1] House Republicans unveil health care package that does not extend ACA subsidies ahead of next week's vote
[2] Johnson’s health bill hits snag with GOP moderate drama
