Our Congressmen Had One Shot To Make Healthcare More Affordable for Thousands, But They Let It Slip

Tonight, Congressmen Tom Barrett and John James voted for a bill that failed to extend the ACA premium tax credits. Michigan Families for Fair Care urged them to stand with their constituents and country but instead they stood with their interests, and failed to seize the moment that everyone had been hoping for. Now, a discharge petition that could extend the ACA tax credits for three years, bypassing leadership, and make healthcare more affordable is being considered in the new year. Congress needs to take action now before the weight of premiums becomes too much to carry. 

"This was the moment—it all came to this point. We argued back and forth all year just for it to lead to a single vote, and you still couldn’t bring yourself to vote for people’s healthcare. Thousands of Americans are now forced to figure out ways to get by all throughout next year as costs keep mounting." said MI-07 nurse, Ashley Meyers. "It does not have to be an inevitability. Instead, we can stop inflicting pain while we work our way to a solution. Congressmen Barrett and James, extend the tax credits for three years."

More than 70,000 people across Michigan's 7th and 10th Congressional Districts face premium increases of 114% if these tax credits expire. For many families, that's the difference between having healthcare and going without food and shelter.