DAVIDS HIGHLIGHTS SKYROCKETING HEALTH CARE PREMIUMS FOR KANSANS AS ACA TAX CREDITS NEAR EXPIRATION

The following information was released by the office of Kansas Rep. Sharice Davids:

Today, Representative Sharice Davidsheard directly from Kansans whose health care premiums are set to rise dramatically next year for everyone. Because Congress has failed to act on her calls to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, Kansans will see their monthly premiums increase by an average of77 percent, potentially forcing 4.2 million Americans off their health insurance. One participant faces a staggering increase of more than 3,000 percent, while another will pay more than $17,000 next year.

"No Kansan should have to choose between paying for health care and putting food on the table," said Davids. "Now that open enrollment has begun, every day counts for families facing skyrocketing premiums. We need Congress to work across the aisle to extend these tax credits immediately, because delaying action will only make it harder for Kansans to afford their health care."

WATCH: Kansans share how much their health care premiums will rise

The ACA's premium tax credits have lowered health care costs for millions of Americans, leading to thelowest uninsured rate in modern history. In Kansas alone, more than160,000 people relied on these tax credits last year to save an average of $700 annually on their health care. But now, premiums will skyrocket, including for the Kansans who joined Davids for today's press conference. Specifically:

Nancy Mays, Mission Woods

2025: $560 per month

2026: $2,030 per month

Increase: $17,640 per year (263 percent increase)

Stephanie Barr, Prairie Village

2025: $20 per month

2026: $646 per month

Increase: $7,752 per year (3,130 percent increase)

Dawn Wheeler, Edwardsville

2025: $69 per month

2026: $248 per month

Increase: $2,148 per year (259 percent increase)

Even though open enrollment has begun, Congress can still take action to prevent the steep premium increases Kansans face in 2026. Forecasting models show that extending the enhanced ACA tax credits now could still slow or reduce the premium hikes.

Because of the expected price hikes, many healthy people may be forced to drop coverage, leaving the insurance pool made up of individuals with chronic conditions or high-cost medical needs. That would drive premiums even higher for those who remain on ACA plans, compounding the financial burden on families who can least afford it.

Davids previouslyurged Congressional leadership to include an extension of these ACA health care tax credits in any government funding bill. A few weeks ago, she alsohosted a virtual press conference with Kansans, who rely on these savings to afford other everyday necessities.