Milwaukee Clinic Braces for Increased Demand as ACA Tax Credits End

The Bread of Healing Clinic in Milwaukee is preparing for a potential increase in patient demand following the expiration of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. Established 25 years ago, the clinic provides free health care services primarily to low-income individuals who may lose insurance coverage as ACA tax credits end in 2026 and 2027. Currently, the clinic serves nearly 2,500 patients annually across its three Milwaukee locations, with over 7,500 visits recorded in 2024. Approximately 90% of patients are employed but earn modest incomes ranging from $14,000 to $25,000 per year, positioning them precariously close to poverty thresholds affecting insurance eligibility. The expected influx of uninsured patients presents operational and resource challenges for the clinic, requiring increased staffing and funding to meet community needs. This development highlights broader concerns within the U.S. health insurance landscape about coverage gaps and access to care for vulnerable populations amid shifting federal policy. Patients like Victor Domena, who was diagnosed with diabetes three years ago, underscore the clinic's critical role in providing ongoing care and medication access that would otherwise be unattainable. The clinic's locations at Cross Lutheran Church, Eastbrook Church, and Florist Avenue Lutheran Church facilitate community-based healthcare delivery tailored to underserved urban populations in Wisconsin.