Health Policy Experts Warn of ACA Premium Hikes and Medicaid Cuts Impacting Working Families

Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) spoke at a congressional shadow hearing highlighting urgent healthcare issues, particularly the pending expiration of Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits and its impact on working families. The hearing brought together health policy experts, advocates, and small business owners to discuss the financial strain rising healthcare costs place on families and the consequences of lapsing ACA subsidies. Lee emphasized that over 24,000 residents in her district rely on these subsidies, warning premiums could surge by thousands of dollars if Congress does not act to extend them. She also highlighted the potential loss of Medicaid coverage due to recent cuts, affecting thousands in her district. The hearing featured testimony from a small business owner who illustrated the real-world impact of ACA tax credit expiration on individuals with chronic illnesses reliant on marketplace plans. Additionally, data shows that the expiration of these credits would disproportionately affect low-income Americans, including many in politically conservative states. Rep. Lee reiterated her support for Medicare for All as a cost-effective alternative healthcare system and called for legislative action to prevent these premium increases and coverage losses.