Blue Press Journal

Tag: Affordable Care Act (ACA)

  • The Republican’s and Donald Trump’s War on Healthcare: A Fight for the Rest of Us

    Blue Press Journal – As the dust settles on the latest Republican maneuvering, one thing is clear: the party’s war on healthcare continues unabated. House Republican Leader Mike Johnson’s refusal to bring an extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies to a vote has set the stage for a catastrophic increase in healthcare premiums, leaving millions of Americans on the brink of disaster.

    The numbers are stark. Without an extension of the subsidies, 24 million people enrolled in the ACA marketplace can expect their premiums to double on average. That’s a staggering blow to middle-class families who are already struggling to make ends meet. The impact will be felt far and wide, from seniors reliant on Medicaid for long-term care to Americans aged 50-64 who will face the largest premium increases.

    The Consequences are Dire

    The Republican’s actions are not just a matter of policy; they have real-life consequences. As Dr. Donald Berwick, former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, put it, “When people lose health insurance, they die sooner.” The data bears this out. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that uninsured adults are 40% more likely to die from treatable causes than those with insurance.

    GroupImpact of Losing ACA Subsidies
    SeniorsLoss of Medicaid funding for long-term care, including nursing homes
    Americans 50-64Largest premium increases, forcing many to drop insurance and risk financial ruin
    Low-Income FamiliesIncreased risk of uninsurance, exacerbating existing health disparities
    Entire ACA MarketplaceAverage premium increase of 100%, pricing out millions

    The Republican’s priorities are clear. As Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) noted, “The Republican Party is more concerned with giving tax breaks to billionaires than with ensuring that working families have access to affordable healthcare.” This spring, they cut $1 trillion from Medicaid, a program that provides vital healthcare coverage to millions of vulnerable Americans. The goal, it seems, is to create a healthcare system where only the wealthy can afford to be sick.

    The Only Ones Who Will Be Fine: Billionaires

    As I wrote this, I couldn’t help but think of the stark contrast between the haves and have-nots in America. The billionaire class, with their private helicopters and private doctors, will continue to enjoy uninterrupted access to top-notch healthcare. But for the rest of us, the Republican’s war on healthcare means that our coverage is about to get much worse.

    It’s time for us to fight back. We must demand that our elected officials prioritize the healthcare needs of working families, not just the wealthy and well-connected. As the great labor leader, Mary Harris Jones, once said, “Fight for your lives, don’t let them take away your right to healthcare!”

    The stakes are high, but the reward is worth it: a healthcare system that works for everyone, not just the privileged few. We owe it to ourselves, our families, and our communities to stand up to the Republican’s assault on healthcare and demand a better future.

    The Fight Continues

    As we move forward, it’s clear that the battle for affordable healthcare is far from over. But with the facts on our side and the voices of millions of Americans behind us, we can win. We must continue to raise our voices, to organize, and to demand action from our elected officials.

  • The Looming Healthcare Crisis: How Republican Refusal to Negotiate ACA Tax Credits Will Devastate Americans

    Blue Press Journal – As the government shutdown continues, a pressing concern is being overlooked: the fate of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. Republicans in Congress have stubbornly refused to negotiate an extension of these crucial credits, claiming there is ample time to address the issue once the government is funded. However, this delay will have severe consequences for millions of Americans, who will soon face skyrocketing healthcare premiums.

    The Clock is Ticking

    With open enrollment for the ACA marketplace set to begin on November 1 in most states, premiums are being decided now. If Congress fails to act, many Americans will start feeling the pinch within weeks. In fact, some states, like Idaho, will begin their open enrollment period as early as October 15, just two weeks from now. “It’s really important to underscore that… So that’s two weeks from now,” said Devon Trolley, executive director of the Pennsylvania Health Insurance Exchange Authority.

    The Human Cost

    The consequences of inaction will be dire. Premiums could more than double if insurers believe the tax credits will be allowed to expire. This will disproportionately affect low- and middle-income families, who rely on these credits to afford healthcare. According to a recent analysis by the health policy nonprofit KFF, 77% of ACA market enrollees (18.7 million people) live in states won by President Trump in the 2024 election. These states have received more premium tax credits and seen more enrollment growth than others.

    Bipartisan Support for Tax Credit Extension

    The KFF survey also found that 78% of adults believe Congress should extend the enhanced tax credits for the ACA marketplace. This includes 92% of Democrats, 82% of independents, and 59% of Republicans. The numbers are clear: there is broad support for extending these tax credits, regardless of party affiliation.

    Table: ACA Market Enrollees by State

    StateNumber of EnrolleesPercentage of Enrollees
    Alabama140,00073%
    Arizona230,00081%
    Florida1,900,00085%
    Georgia430,00079%
    Texas1,100,00083%

    The Blame Game

    Democrats maintain that Republicans will be to blame for both the shutdown and the resulting hike in premiums. “Republicans would rather shut down the government than address a health care crisis that is threatening to shut down small businesses across the country,” said Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) in a briefing on Friday. “And because Republicans have refused to save the health care tax credits that millions of people rely on, health care costs are about to more than double for families across the country.”

    The Real Motive

    It’s clear that the Republican refusal to negotiate on the budget bill is a direct result of their desire to preserve massive tax breaks for billionaires and millionaires. By prioritizing the interests of the wealthy over those of everyday Americans, Republicans are putting millions of people at risk of losing access to affordable healthcare.

    The clock is ticking, and the consequences of inaction will be severe. Republicans must set aside partisan games and work with Democrats to extend ACA tax credits. Millions of Americans depend on this. The KFF survey shows broad support for these tax credits, making it imperative for Congress to act to avoid a healthcare crisis. Will Republicans listen to the American people, or prioritize the wealthy?