BLUMENTHAL STATEMENT ON REPUBLICAN REFUSAL TO ADDRESS SKYROCKETING HEALTHCARE COSTS

The following information was released by Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal:

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the statement below after Senate Republicans blocked an effort to extend tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) which will force Americans across the country to pay significantly more in health insurance premiums:

"Today's failed vote to extend healthcare subsidies for millions of American families is devastating. People die when they can't afford health insurance. It is just wrong to force Americans already struggling with rising costs to bear the financial burden of skyrocketing premiums because Republicans won't work with us on broader health care reforms. Today Republicans refused to stand with Americans and their families, and they'll be held accountable."

Connecticut residents are facing extreme and unaffordable health insurance premium increases without the extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits. One Old Lyme resident shared that her premiums were set to go up $400 a month without the Affordable Act tax credits. Another couple in Glastonbury was quoted over $40,000 for a year of health insurance without the tax credits.