FAILURE TO EXTEND ACA PREMIUM SUBSIDIES COULD LEAD TO DEVASTATING CONSEQUENCES

The following information was released by the National Medical Association (NMA):

Statement attributable to:

Dr. Roger A. Mitchell, Jr.

126th President, National Medical Association

The National Medical Association (NMA) is deeply disappointed by the U.S. Senate's December 11 decision to reject advancing Senate Bill 3385, legislation that would have prevented health insurance premiums from sharply increasing for millions of Americans enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. The most concerning, is that there is still time to make this change, yet our congress still refuses to act before the December 31st deadline.

The failure to pass this bill allows critical, temporary provisions enacted under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and extended through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 to expire. These provisions expanded eligibility for premium tax credits and increased the amount of financial assistance available to individuals and families purchasing coverage through the ACA marketplace. The proposed extension would have continued these protections for an additional three years.

Allowing these subsidies to lapse will have serious and far-reaching consequences for patients and the broader health care system. Without relief, many individuals will face the doubling, or even tripling, of their health insurance premiums, placing coverage further out of reach for working families, seniors, and communities already experiencing health disparities.

At a time when nearly half of U.S. adults report difficulty affording health care costs, and approximately three in ten say they or a family member struggled to pay for care in the past year, this decision represents a step backward. Rising premiums will inevitably lead to increased rates of underinsurance and uninsurance, delayed care, and poorer health outcomes, particularly in underserved and marginalized communities.

The NMA firmly believes that lowering health care costs is essential to improving health equity and protecting public health. Access to affordable health care should not be temporary, uncertain, or dependent on political gridlock. It is a necessity for a healthier nation. We call policymakers to come together in non-partisan agreement to act swiftly, restore and extend these vital subsidies!

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About the National Medical Association:

The National Medical Association is the nation's oldest and largest organization representing Black physicians and health professionals in the U.S. and promotes the collective interests of physicians and patients of African descent. We serve as the voice of Black physicians and a leading voice for parity in medicine, elimination of health disparities and promotion of optimal health. To learn more about the NMA, please visit https://www.nmanet.org/.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jaylen Christie

850-556-4924

jaylen@bdaviscomm.com