#affordable-care-act

#affordable-care-act

In the past week, I have had three clients tell me that they have received letters from their insurance companies stating that their premiums will increase in the new year due to the changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). According to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, if ACA premium tax credits expire at the end of the year, which seems more likely as the government shutdown continues, "premiums are predicted to increase for 2026 by an average of 75 percent."

Let me just conclude by saying right now, millions of Americans are wondering what is happening in Washington, D.C., and watching this hearing where the chairman is trying to muzzle a ranking member who is simply calling attention to the facts of the ACA, and the real-life stories of peopleindicates to me we need to shine a light on what this effort is to repeal the ACA and we need to stand strong in favor of affordable health insurance in the United States.

"It doesn't matter what we do in the House," GOP Speaker Mike Johnson announced in a press conference this week. While it's tempting to give the MAGA leader grudging points for candor, that churlish admission speaks volumes about a once-robust legislative branch now relegated to inert duty as a satellite Trumpian messaging complex: a glorified Fox News set with gavels.

Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) told CNN that he had a recent phone call with President Trump who made it clear he doesn't want to hurt people. His concern is, is there something better we can do? Van Drew said, adding that he told the president, I don't think we're going to get it done in a matter of weeks.

For hundreds of thousands of people across Massachusetts, the fight at the center of the government shutdown carries frightening and immediate consequences: Can they continue to afford government-backed health insurance, or will they face skyrocketing premiums that could shatter their financial security? Since 2021, expanded federal subsidies have made it possible for 337,000 people in Massachusetts to more easily afford health insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector,the state's version of the Affordable Care Act marketplace.

Democrats have railed against Johnson for refusing to swear Grijalva in until the shutdown ends and the House returns to session, accusing him of wanting to block a vote on releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files. "You just don't want her to be on the Epstein discharge petition," Gallego told Johnson, who responded that the claim is "totally absurd" and said, "You guys are experts at red herrings and distractions."

Democrats believe health care is an issue that resonates with a majority of Americans as they demand an extension of subsidies in exchange for their votes to reopen the shuttered U.S. government. But it is also one of the most intractable issues in Congress - and a real compromise amid the government shutdown will not likely be easy, or quick.