REP. MIKE LEVIN AND CONSTITUENTS SOUND THE ALARM ABOUT HEALTH CARE PREMIUM RATE HIKES

The following information was released by the office of California Rep. Mike Levin:

Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) and local residents sounded the alarm about the looming health insurance premium rate hikes that are set to occur if Congress does not act. Residents who rely on Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance premium tax credits to afford health care revealed that average health insurance premiums could more than doublefrom $888 in 2025 to $1,904 in 2026if the tax credits are not extended by the end of the year. The cost increase could force them to choose between health care and paying rent. Rep. Levin is pushing for an extension of the tax credits in any government funding deal.

On October 1st, the federal government shut down due to President Trump's refusal to negotiate a bipartisan solution and Congressional Republicans' unwillingness to extend the ACA health insurance premium tax credits. Now, millions of Americans are at risk of premiums skyrocketing and losing their health care. If the ACA tax credits expire at the end of the year, five million Americans nationwide will lose their ACA plans, 660,000 Californians will be priced out of coverage, and 32,000 people in the 49th Congressional District will see their premiums skyrocket.

"What we see in Washington today is an administration trying to use this shutdown as an excuse to shrink government programs and undermine public servants. That's not just reckless. It's illegal. It's unconstitutional. And it will not stand," said Rep. Levin. "So let me be crystal clear. We must negotiate a solution now before the October 15th notices hit San Diego mailboxes, before open enrollment begins, before families are priced out of coverage. And let me say this as plainly as I can: protecting health care for millions of Americans, hundreds of thousands of Californians, and tens of thousands of San Diegans is worth the fight."

"As a substitute teacher for the last 20 years, comprehensive health insurance wasn't financially possible unless I paid over half my paycheck for it. When the ACA became available, I was thrilled to finally have comprehensive health insurance. That meant I could get regular check-ups, affordable premiums, necessary prescriptions, and finally have peace of mind," said Steve T., a Covered CA customer. "Now, Republicans are making health insurance more expensive for me and millions of Americans. They are refusing to extend the ACA premium tax credits, and they even shut down the government because they don't care if we lose our health insurance! It's unacceptable and dangerous. Right now, because of the ACA premium tax credits, I save $77 dollars per month. That's in addition to $849 dollars of savings per month because of the ACA. Because of the tax credits, I save $924 dollars a year. If the tax credits are not extended, I will lose those savings. I cannot afford to lose that critical help."

According to a report by the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation, a 60-year-old couple making $85,000 will see their health care costs rise by $22,600 per year if the tax credits expire. Americans overwhelmingly support extending the tax credits: 78% of Americansincluding majorities of Republicans and MAGA supporterswant Congress to act now.

On October 15th, formal notices will go out with the final health care costs for 2026, and on November 1st, open enrollment begins. If Congress doesn't act now, the higher health insurance premium rates will be locked in.

"Having access to health insurance leads to better overall health and well-being. Since the enhanced premium tax credits have been in effect, Covered California has seen its enrollment grow by more than 23% statewide, and nearly 33% percent in this district, helping more people than ever access health insurance through the state marketplace," said Covered California Chief Medical Officer Dr. Monica Soni. "Without the enhanced premium tax credits, over 34,000 enrollees in the 49th district will pay on average $135 more on their monthly premiums in 2026."

"Covered California has been a godsend. With the ACA credits, I've been able to afford care for my family as I started my own business. But I am terrified of what will happen if those credits expire," said a constituent of the 49th Congressional District.

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