Tom Barrett and John James Voted to Make Your Healthcare More Expensive, They Could Make Things Even Worse
This summer, Representatives Tom Barrett (MI-07) and John James (MI-10) voted to devastate health care affordability for hundreds of thousands of Michiganders. Now the ACA premium tax credit, a program to lower monthly premium costs for people who get their insurance through the marketplace, is in need of vital funding. Rep. Barrett and Rep. James still have time to save thousands of small business owners, parents, minors, the elderly and working class Michiganders who purchase health insurance through the ACA marketplace, which provides essential assistance to working families across Michigan.
"Representatives Barrett and James had the chance to protect healthcare for hundreds of thousands of Michiganders, and instead they chose to give tax breaks to billionaires," said Steve Lawson, Executive Director of Michigan Families for Fair Care. "Three in four Americans have said the ACA tax credits should be extended. Even among MAGA supporters, more than half wanted an extension. Every side of the aisle can agree that health care access should be protected, yet Barrett and James refused to listen to their own constituents”.
Rep.Barrett's constituents will see an average increase in premiums of $800. For a 60-year old couple with a household income of $85,000, that number could be as high as $13,480 per year. James' constituents will see an average increase in premiums of $720. For that same couple, the increase could be as much as $8,473.
The impact will be devastating for working families across both districts. People will be forced to choose between healthcare and their finances. This will lead to fewer people seeking help when faced with illness, injury, or chronic conditions. This comes at a time when Americans nationwide are stressed about their ability to afford groceries, now health care costs will be an additional concern if it wasn't already. The ACA cuts will expire at the end of 2025, meaning a return to unaffordable premiums and impossible choices for many families. Instead of looking out for billionaires and corporations, Barrett and James should support legislation to stop these cuts and make health care affordable for their constituents.
