Community Members Share Stories of Struggling with Rising Costs, Call on Congressmen to Act Before ACA Tax Credits Expire
Michigan Families for Fair Care hosted Coffee and Conversation events in Brighton and Center Line this week where residents discussed their biggest fear, the edge of the economic cliff. Now, the end of the year is rapidly approaching, and with it the expiration of health care tax credits that are threatening to dramatically increase health care costs for tens of thousands of Michiganders. Participants shared stories about how rising costs are affecting their families and what solutions exist to this incoming crisis. For example, the recent discharge petition extending ACA tax credits for three years to prevent premiums from more than doubling for families across both districts is being considered, and although recent Senate action has thrown cold water on the effort, it persists.
"Our government handed out trillions in tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy, then turned around and cut the programs that help us afford food and healthcare,” said MI-10 resident Rebecca Zainos. “Now the options that make insurance affordable are expiring, and families like mine are left scrambling. Showing up to events like today and making our voices heard—that's what we can do as we organize to hold our elected officials accountable. Congressman James, sign on to a three-year discharge petition that can extend these health care tax credits; it may be the last thing families cling to for help."
The discharge petition would bypass congressional leadership and force a vote on extending ACA premium tax credits for three years, providing stability and affordability for families who purchase insurance through the marketplace. Without the extension of ACA premium tax credits, tens of thousands of people across Michigan's 7th and 10th Districts will see their healthcare premiums skyrocket, with many families facing increases of $700 or more per month, in some cases an increase of 114%.
“Families can't afford an extra $700 a month for health insurance. We're already struggling with grocery bills and keeping up with our mortgage. If Congressman Barrett doesn't support this three-year discharge petition, Michiganders will have to choose between healthcare and putting food on the table,” said MI-07 constituent Linda Gruber. "I'm paying attention to how Congressman Barrett votes. If he won't even sign a petition to give us a vote on this, then he's choosing to let our healthcare costs skyrocket while he gives billions in tax cuts to the wealthy."
Both Barrett and James voted for the Republican Tax Law that did not take action to save these critical subsidies from expiring while delivering permanent tax cuts to billionaires and large corporations.
