Millions of Americans may face steep increases in health insurance premiums if Congress fails to extend subsidies tied to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by the end of December. This concern particularly affects around half of the 500,000 residents in Pennsylvania enrolled through Penny, the state’s ACA Marketplace, as reported by the Pennsylvania Healthcare Access Network. Notably, two Republicans from the state, Sen. Dave McCormick and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, have shown support for continuing these subsidies, a topic that contributed to divisions during the government shut down in October.
With more than three weeks left before the deadline, there’s no clear Congressional plan for extending these tax credits, and the Kaiser Family Foundation warns that without intervention, millions could see their premiums significantly increase, potentially even doubling or tripling.
Tori Baggett, who runs a small letterpress printing business called SUPER MUTT PRESS in Pittsburgh, shared her worries about how these potential changes will impact her operations. “I’ve just started this venture, primarily focusing on wedding invitations, greeting cards, custom packaging, and wall prints,” she explained. She also manages a chronic condition known as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which complicates her ability to work. “Widespread pain is my biggest challenge, making it tough to stand or lift for long periods,” she added.
Tori initially signed up for insurance via Penny about three years ago. She was forewarned by her agent about possible premium hikes as well. “They mentioned there could be changes, similar to last year, so I was somewhat prepared. But a reality check hit about a month ago when I found out my monthly payments would rise from $197 to $365,” she recalled. “I was on a call with the specialist, and we were both uneasy about the news. It’s quite alarming.”
Rep. Summer Lee, a Democrat from Pittsburgh, expressed her concern regarding the broader implications for constituents. “I think many will find health care completely unaffordable. It’s genuinely frightening to consider that level of crisis,” Lee said. She questioned how public finance operates in Washington and suggested that if prioritizing the nation’s health isn’t a focus, it’s a concerning policy decision.
According to Lee, extending the ACA tax credits shouldn’t be viewed through a partisan lens. “The settlement package finalized in January marked a historic cut to Medicaid, primarily benefiting wealthier citizens. If the ACA subsidies are allowed to lapse, it adds yet another layer of difficulty for many.”
As it stands, the deadline for Congress to act is December 31.
