Blue Press Journal

Tag: Health Care Cost

  • Big Changes Coming to Your Healthcare Costs in 2026 — And Who’s (Not) Helping You

    Health Care Premium Hike in 2026: and Republicans Refuse to Act

    Blue Press Journal – On January 1, 2026, millions of Americans will face a painful spike in health insurance premiums. This surge is directly tied to the scheduled expiration of the enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) — subsidies first expanded under the American Rescue Plan in 2021 and extended through 2025 by the Inflation Reduction Act.

    If Congress fails to extend these subsidies, health care costs will rise sharply — and the Republican Party, led by Donald Trump, has made it clear they have no intention of renewing them.

    How Much Will Premiums Rise?

    According to the Congressional Budget Office and Kaiser Family Foundation analysis, without the enhanced ACA subsidies:

    • Middle-income families (earning $50,000–$75,000/year) will see average annual premiums increase by $1,200–$2,400 per household.
    • Older enrollees in their early 60s could see premiums jump by $4,000–$6,000 annually in some states.
    • Nationally, the average premium for a benchmark silver plan could rise up to 53% for those losing subsidy eligibility.
    • The number of uninsured Americans could increase by 3–4 million in 2026 alone.

    Projected Annual Premium Increases by Income Bracket (when subsidies lapse)

    Annual Income (Family of 3)Avg. Premium Increase (National)Example State Impact
    $35,000 (150% FPL)$0–$500 (still eligible for some subsidy)CA: +$300
    $55,000 (250% FPL)+$1,800TX: +$2,200
    $85,000 (400% FPL)+$4,500FL: +$5,000
    $120,000 (550% FPL)+$6,600WY: +$7,200

    (FPL = Federal Poverty Level; figures based on KFF and CBO modeling)

    Why Enhanced ACA Subsidies Lower Premiums for Everyone

    The enhanced subsidies don’t just help those who qualify — they stabilize the entire ACA marketplace:

    1. Risk Pool Balance – More healthy people can afford coverage, which spreads risk and keeps average premiums lower for all enrollees.
    2. Market Competition – Stable enrollment encourages insurers to participate in more counties, increasing competition and slowing price hikes.
    3. Reduced Uncompensated Care – Hospitals face fewer unpaid bills, which indirectly lowers costs for insured patients.

    Without these subsidies, healthier middle-income Americans are more likely to drop coverage, leaving sicker, costlier patients in the pool — triggering a premium spiral.

    The Republican Stance and Trump’s Position

    Despite the clear evidence of harm, Republicans in Congress have opposed making the enhanced subsidies permanent. Donald Trump and GOP lawmakers have repeatedly called for dismantling the ACA framework entirely, reviving repeal rhetoric from 2017.
    Rather than offering a plan to prevent the 2026 premium spike, many Republicans have characterized the subsidies as “government handouts,” ignoring the reality that they function as a cost-control measure for the entire insured population.

    The Bottom Line

    The enhanced ACA subsidies are not just a safety net for the poor; they are a brake on runaway premiums for everyone.

    The refusal by Republican leadership and Donald Trump to extend them is, in effect, a decision to let costs soar.

  • GOP Blocks Health Care Rescue Bill as Millions Face Soaring Premiums

    Blue Press Journal (DC) 12/11/25 – A critical bipartisan opportunity to prevent massive health insurance premium spikes has collapsed in the Senate, as Republicans overwhelmingly rejected a Democratic proposal to extend life-saving Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. Despite growing alarm over the financial fallout for American families, the GOP’s refusal to support a clean, three-year extension has left millions at risk of unaffordable coverage just as enrollment for next year begins.

    The Democratic-backed bill, which aimed to continue enhanced subsidies introduced during the pandemic, received 51 votes—just enough to pass under a simple majority if not for the 60-vote threshold required under current Senate rules. Four Republican senators—Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Josh Hawley (R-MO)—broke with their party to support the measure. But their bipartisan effort was not enough to overcome unified GOP opposition.

    These subsidies have been instrumental in making health insurance affordable for low- and middle-income Americans. Since their expansion, enrollment in ACA plans has surged to record levels, and average premiums have dropped significantly. Without action, those gains are poised to vanish overnight. Experts project that monthly premiums could increase by hundreds of dollars for millions of Americans, particularly those earning just above the poverty line.

    The consequences are not hypothetical. For a family of four in a mid-sized city, the loss of subsidies could mean paying an extra $5,000 or more annually for coverage. For many, that burden will force impossible choices: pay for health insurance or afford rent, groceries, or prescription medications.

    And yet, the Republican response has been marked by inaction and disarray. While Senate Republicans blocked the Democratic bill, House Republicans remain deeply divided on any alternative solution. There is no unified GOP plan—no proposal with policy details, no cost estimates, no pathway to enactment. Their silence speaks volumes: rather than crafting a solution, the party has chosen political obstruction over human consequence.

    This isn’t just about policy disagreements. It’s about priorities. At a moment when Americans are still grappling with the economic aftermath of a pandemic and enduring high costs for essentials like food, gas, and housing, the Republican leadership has decided that protecting working families from skyrocketing health care costs is not worth their support. Their refusal to act, again and again, underscores a broader abandonment of the very constituents they claim to serve.

    Make no mistake: the bottom line is clear. Republicans—and Donald Trump, whose influence over the party remains profound—have repeatedly demonstrated that they do not care about the affordability and accessibility of health care for ordinary Americans. They have rejected pragmatic, bipartisan compromise not because of policy concerns, but because of political calculation.

  • 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?

  • 25 Million Americans Face Significant Health Care Cost Increases: Donald Trump and the Republicans could stop it

    A looming deadline threatens to upend the health care landscape for millions of Americans, with 25 million individuals facing potential premium hikes and 4 million at risk of losing their insurance altogether. The clock is ticking on a Biden-era program that has made Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage more affordable for non-elderly people who purchase private insurance on their own.

    The program, which is set to expire on December 31, has provided significant financial assistance to individuals and families who buy insurance through the ACA’s online marketplaces, such as HealthCare.gov and state-run exchanges like Covered California. This assistance has resulted in hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of dollars in annual savings for these individuals.

    However, if the program is allowed to lapse, the consequences could be severe. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) predicts that over 4 million people will become newly uninsured, while millions more will be forced to choose between paying higher premiums or opting for less comprehensive coverage that leaves them vulnerable to larger out-of-pocket medical bills.

    “This would be a huge premium shock for many people, and would mostly dwarf any gains they’re getting from tax cuts in the Republican plan that just passed,” said Larry Levitt, a health policy expert at the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF).

    The affected individuals are a diverse group, including contractors, small business owners, part-time students, and early retirees. They are spread across the country, with varying income levels, but all rely on the ACA’s marketplaces for their health coverage.

    Despite the potential consequences, the Trump administration and Republicans have shown no indication that they will take action to extend the program. This inaction has sparked concerns among health care advocates and experts, who warn that the expiration of the program could undermine the progress made in reducing the number of uninsured Americans.