NEW REPORT: JON HUSTED TO BLAME FOR SKYROCKETING HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS

The following information was released by the Ohio Democratic Party:

'Incoming health care changes mean more overall struggles for Ohioans, advocates say'

Columbus, Ohio Jon Husted voted for the ninth time last week against extending the ACA premium tax credits. Now, more than half a million Ohioans are bracing for skyrocketing health care costs as the tax credits expire at the end of the month.

Husted also cast the deciding vote for the largest cut to Medicaid in history, ripping coverage from 490,000 Ohioans and putting at least eleven rural Ohio hospitals on the brink of closure.

Read more about Jon Husted's health care crisis:

Ohio Capital Journal: Incoming health care changes mean more overall struggles for Ohioans, advocates say

Health care advocates and researchers say the new year will be a challenging one for Ohioans with federal changes to health care coming with surety but uncertainty.

Federal cuts to Medicaid mean Ohio is expected to lose $33 billion over the next decade, something Gov. Mike DeWine acknowledged will be an issue going forward.

Health care workers and advocates are also bracing for change amid a deadlock in the U.S. Senate on proposals surrounding the Affordable Care Act. The lack of action makes it more than likely that the enhanced tax credits that are currently a part of the Affordable Care Act will expire in 2026.

According to the Health Policy Institute of Ohio, increased Affordable Care Act premiums stemming from the expiring tax credits could mean annual premiums will more than double in 2026, compared to 2025 rates.

Increased premiums also include rate increases from insurers, according to O'Rourke.

So, with Medicaid cuts already set to impact Ohioans, and upcoming changes stemming from the federal budget reconciliation bill passed in July, Ohioans may have to make some tough calls when it comes to affording health care and anything else their households need.

Families will face complicated decisions between medication, health care, transportation, food, and other things they need, not just one thing at a time, something advocates say policymakers need to keep in mind as they mull funding decisions.

"Very quickly we have seen ... (news of the changes lead) to panic attacks, very high anxiety," said Summer Kirby, chief executive officer of Portsmouth's Compass Community Health.

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