News

U.S. Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Peter Welch (D-VT-AL), Charlie Crist (D-FL-13), and Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), State and Local Officials, Health Care Advocates Headlined Events in Key States

This month, Protect Our Care continued to host events across the country to discuss ongoing efforts to drive down health care costs and expand access to quality coverage for millions of Americans. A record 14.5 million people signed up for coverage under Affordable Care Act marketplaces thanks in large part to the American Rescue Plan’s enhanced tax credits, which saved families hundreds of dollars on their monthly health care costs. However, unless Congress extends these health care premium reductions, millions of Americans will see dramatic increases in their 2023 health insurance premiums, and many will no longer be able to afford insurance at all.

Protect Our Care held events with Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Peter Welch (D-VT-AL), Charlie Crist (D-FL-13), and Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), state and local officials, and health care storytellers to discuss the urgent need for Congress to extend the American Rescue Plan’s enhanced premium tax credits and highlight recent efforts to pass legislation to prevent premiums from skyrocketing at the end of this year.

NATIONAL

On Tuesday, May 24, U.S. Representatives Peter Welch (D-VT-AL) and Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) joined Protect Our Care to discuss the urgent need for Congress to extend the American Rescue Plan’s enhanced premium tax credits. Watch the full event here.

“My legislation has lowered annual premium costs by an average of $2,400 per family for Affordable Care Act plans, and a record 14.5 million Americans enrolled in coverage for this year. This is historic financial relief at a time when people need it the most. But if we don’t act now, to extend these savings, families will see sharp, unacceptable premium increases in 2023,” said Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14). “This provision already passed the House of Representatives in November, uniting our Democratic caucus around the shared conviction that every American deserves access to high quality, affordable health care. It is time for the Senate to join us and deliver on this promise to the American people.”

“If these subsidies go away, the price increases on health care will be brutal for families, brutal for employers, and brutal for our communities,” said Representative Peter Welch (D-VT-AL).  “We can’t pull the rug out from under families and allow huge increases to the cost of health care when families are struggling to afford other essentials, like groceries and gasoline. We have to maintain these essential subsidies and maintain the health care security Vermont’s families need.” 

COVERAGE:

• Chicago Sun Times: Rep. Lauren Underwood leading drive to bolster swing district Democrats on Obamacare subsidies

FLORIDA

On Thursday, May 19, Rep. Charlie Crist (D-FL-13) joined Protect Our Care Florida to discuss a new report that shows the premium tax credits included in the American Rescue Plan have made health coverage more affordable for Floridians. Watch the full event here.

“Healthcare is a right in my view and the costs we have to pay for healthcare in America is absurd,” said Representative Crist. “I think that any opportunity we have to be able to reduce the burden of healthcare on American citizens and in particular Floridians that we care most about is essential for us to pursue.”

COVERAGE:

• Florida Politics: Expiration of public health emergency, enhanced tax credits could surge state’s uninsured rolls

NEW HAMPSHIRE

On Wednesday, May 18, a group of public health experts joined Protect Our Care New Hampshire to discuss a new report that shows the premium tax credits included in the American Rescue Plan have made health coverage more affordable for NH residents. Watch the full event here.

“We’ve extended eligibility for premium credits to reach more people with higher incomes so that they don’t have to feel the brunt of these escalating health costs. This Administration has been incredibly supportive in making sure that open enrollment is possible, subsidies are possible, and other cost sharing support is possible, and help is on the way. We really need those subsidies, especially as we begin to face the unwind from the protective Medicaid program during the public health emergency,” said Lucy C. Hodder, Director, Health Law and Policy at UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law.

OHIO

On Friday, March 11, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09) and health care experts and advocates joined Protect Our Care Ohio to discuss the urgent importance of and opportunities to lower health care costs for Ohioans. Watch the full event here. 

“Health care is about dignity. Whether you’re a farmer, a trucker, a construction worker, a cashier, or a teacher, you deserve the quality, affordable health care coverage to help you when you get sick or injured,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur. More than one million Ohioans live with diabetes, but outrageous pharmaceutical pricing of insulin leads so many to ration their supplies. The Affordable Insulin Now Act would ensure Ohioans are able to live the full and healthy lives they deserve.”

COVERAGE:

• WTOL (CBS): Lower Health Care of Ohio Discussion Today 
• WTOL (CBS): Lowering Health Care Costs for Ohioans 

WEST VIRGINIA

On Thursday, May 19, Health care advocates joined Protect Our Care West Virginia to discuss a new report that shows the premium tax credits included in the American Rescue Plan have made health coverage more affordable for West Virginians. Watch the full event here.

“People are making a lot of hard decisions due to inflation affecting every part of our lives,” said Delegate Shawn Fluharty. “No American family or West Virginia family should ever have to choose between having healthcare or putting food on the table, and that’s exactly where we will be if the Advanced Premium Tax Credits are allowed to expire. The impact would be insurmountable for many West Virginians.”

Washington, DC —This week, major insurers released a new report showing that the No Surprises Act saved patients from 2 million surprise bills in just the first two months of implementation. The No Surprises Act was championed by Democratic leadership, including Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ-06) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and it has been implemented by the Biden administration. In response, Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse issued the following statement: 

“For decades, surprise bills have plagued the U.S. health care system and left countless families in financial distress. Now, thanks to health care champions in Congress, millions of patients are shielded from this egregious billing practice. This victory would not be possible without the tireless work of Democratic leadership and President Biden, who have done everything in their power to protect patients and expand access to affordable care. While there is more work to be done, this legislation has lowered costs and provided meaningful relief for millions of families.”

Watch the Full Video Here

Washington, DC —Today U.S. Representatives Peter Welch (D-VT-AL) and Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) joined Protect Our Care to discuss the urgent need for Congress to extend the American Rescue Plan’s enhanced premium tax credits. This year, a record 14.5 million people signed up for coverage through the ACA marketplaces thanks in large part to the enhanced tax credits, which saved families hundreds of dollars on their monthly health care costs. Now, Democrats are fighting to extend these tax credits for working families to prevent premiums from skyrocketing at the end of this year. 

Just yesterday, Congresswoman Underwood led 26 Swing-District House Democratic Members in a letter urging Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Schumer to prioritize lowering health care costs, including extending the enhanced advance premium tax credits and expanding Medicaid coverage in upcoming reconciliation legislation.

“My legislation has lowered annual premium costs by an average of $2,400 per family for Affordable Care Act plans, and a record 14.5 million Americans enrolled in coverage for this year. This is historic financial relief at a time when people need it the most. But if we don’t act now, to extend these savings, families will see sharp, unacceptable premium increases in 2023,” said Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14). “This provision already passed the House of Representatives in November, uniting our Democratic caucus around the shared conviction that every American deserves access to high quality, affordable health care. It is time for the Senate to join us and deliver on this promise to the American people.”

“If these subsidies go away, the price increases on health care will be brutal for families, brutal for employers, and brutal for our communities,” said Representative Peter Welch (D-VT-AL).  “We can’t pull the rug out from under families and allow huge increases to the cost of health care when families are struggling to afford other essentials, like groceries and gasoline. We have to maintain these essential subsidies and maintain the health care security Vermont’s families need.”  

“If we do not continue the advanced premium tax credits, there will be financial hits for West Virginia families and families across the nation,” said Jessica Ice, patient storyteller from West Virginia. “For me personally, I’m saving over $200 a month as a single mom of two young children. For my family, this translates into money for food, utilities, and, frankly, other health care costs that we have.” 

“The American Rescue Plan saved families thousands on their premiums, driving record enrollment and giving people more breathing room to pay for other necessities like food, child care, and rent,” said Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach. “If Congress fails to act, millions of families will pay thousands more for health insurance in 2023, and millions will lose their coverage entirely. Open enrollment begins just a week before election day, and when people go to the polls these premium increases will be front and center.”

The American Rescue Plan saved families thousands of dollars on their health care premiums, but these savings are set to expire, and a health care crisis is looming. Unless Congress extends the health care premium reductions in the American Rescue Plan, millions of Americans will see dramatic increases in their 2023 health insurance premiums, and many will no longer be able to afford insurance at all. Coverage confirms these premium hikes will be front and center as Americans signing up for health coverage and heading to the polls in November. 

Coverage:

Washington Post: Congress Is Under Pressure From State Marketplaces To Keep Obamacare Subsidies Higher. “They’re issuing warnings about large spikes in premiums — notices Americans could receive just weeks before the midterm elections. It’s a message roughly 17 directors of state-based Obamacare exchanges will make in meetings today with administration officials and on the Hill with top Democratic and Republican staff.” [Washington Post, 5/17/22]

Politico: An Obamacare Fiasco Could Blow Up On Democrats Right Before The Midterms. “The price hikes would hit an estimated 13 million people across the country, potentially adding hundreds of dollars to families’ monthly expenses…voters would begin receiving notices about their premium increases in October — around the same time they’re starting to cast their midterm ballots…Health experts predict abruptly eliminating the subsidies would especially reverse the coverage gains among Black people and those who live in red states that haven’t expanded Medicaid. For millions more, their monthly premiums would potentially skyrocket.” [Politico, 5/20/22]

The Hill: Vulnerable House Democrats Urge Action To Prevent Obamacare Premium Hike This Fall. “‘These out-of-pocket cost increases are imminent: starting this autumn, when enrollees begin receiving notices of their premium increases for 2023 health plans, our constituents will find that the same high-quality coverage that they have been able to afford thanks to the American Rescue Plan will now be out of reach,’ the lawmakers write…If the enhanced subsidies are not extended, premium increases could be substantial. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that premiums would have been 53 percent higher on average this year without the extra financial assistance.” [The Hill, 5/23/22]

Business Insider: West Virginians Will See The Biggest Spike In Obamacare Premiums Within Months If Manchin Keeps Blocking Biden’s Economic Agenda. “In West Virginia, people would see an average premium hike of $1,536 per person…With ACA open enrollment kicking off on Nov. 1, many Americans would see the eye-popping premium increases for 2023 just a week before casting votes in the midterms.” [Business Insider, 5/16/22]

Huffington Post: Democrats Have Little Time To Avert An Election-Eve Obamacare Premium Hike. “Health insurance premiums for millions of Americans will spike if Congress doesn’t act in the next few months, with particularly big increases in politically contested states…The assistance, which President Joe Biden and the Democrats enacted as part of last year’s COVID-19 relief program, has reduced premiums by hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars a year. But the assistance is set to end in December. If that happens, prices will go back up and consumers will start to learn about the increases in the fall.” [Huffington Post, 5/16/22]

Kaiser Health News: New Covered California Leader Urges Renewal Of Enhanced Federal Aid For Health Premiums. “The extra dollars reduced the average monthly premium cost to Covered California enrollees by 20% this year compared with 2021, according to estimates from the exchange. And the lower cost helped push enrollment to a record 1.8 million this year. Nationally, the average premium cost for marketplace enrollees dropped 23%, and enrollment rose to 14.5 million, also a record. Altman fears that without the continued support, the cost to consumers will rise sharply, and many people will forgo coverage. It’s why she says one of her first tasks is to push Congress for an extension of the American Rescue Plan subsidies.” [Kaiser Health News, 5/18/22]

Florida Politics: Expiration Of Public Health Emergency, Enhanced Tax Credits Could Surge State’s Uninsured Rolls. “There’s a ‘perfect storm’ brewing that could lead to hundreds of thousands of Florida residents losing their health insurance coverage…costs of health insurance premiums could soar by 53% for more than 2.5 million people if Congress does not make permanent the enhanced subsidies that were included in the American Rescue Plan.” [Florida Politics, 5/19/22]

Health News Florida: Hundreds Of Thousands Of Florida Residents May Become Uninsured In 2023 Without Premium Tax Credits. “If you create a situation where coverage is so unaffordable that only really sick people want to be in it, you’re going to then raise premiums and you’re going to make that situation a little bit worse every year because every year premiums will get higher. So it’s bad for individuals and it’s bad for the market as a whole when premiums go up.” [Health News Florida, 5/11/22]

Cincinnati Enquirer (Opinion): Make Health Care Tax Credits Permanent. “Half of Americans worry about keeping up with health care costs, not only because it drains our bank accounts, but because we literally can’t live without it…the American Rescue Plan made health care premiums more affordable than ever. These tax credits have been a crucial lifeline for families during the pandemic, and now is the time to make them permanent.” [Cincinnati Enquirer, 5/21/22]

Reports:

Protect Our Care: Insurers Seeking Skyrocking Premium Increases In 2023. “Experts say insurers are likely to seek double digit increases in state after state…If Congress does not act, news of premiums skyrocketing will be front and center just as Americans begin signing up for coverage and as people go to the polls in November. Only Congress can prevent this from happening—it’s time to extend the American Rescue Plan tax credits.” [Protect Our Care, 5/20/22]

Kaiser Family Foundation: For ACA Enrollees, How Much Premiums Rise Next Year Is Mostly Up To Congress. “If Congress does not extend the subsidies, out-of-pocket premium payments will return to their pre-ARPA levels, which would be seen as a significant premium increase to millions of subsidized enrollees. In the 33 states using HealthCare.gov, premium payments in 2022 would have been 53% higher on average if not for the ARPA extra subsidies. The same is true in the states operating their own exchanges.” [KFF, 5/18/22]

NASHP: State-Based Marketplaces Say Many Will Lose Coverage if Premium Assistance Expires. “Immediate action to extend the enhanced subsidies is needed. Insurers have already begun analyses to set their rates for 2023, as SBMs begin making operational changes to prepare for the 2023 enrollment season.” [NASP, 5/18/22]

Families USA: Unless Congress Acts, Health Care Costs Will Soon Skyrocket For People Who Buy Their Own Insurance. “The last thing [American families] need is a 53% increase in their health insurance premiums. But that’s the average increase that will soon be charged to millions of people who buy their own health insurance through healthcare.gov—unless Congress extends the financial assistance provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) beyond this year. Without congressional intervention, premium costs for current coverage will shoot up by a staggering amount: more than $12 billion in additional charges to families across the country.” [Families USA, 5/16/22]

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR TUESDAY MAY 24 AT 12:30 PM ET***

Washington, DC — On Tuesday, May 24, U.S. Representatives Peter Welch (D-VT-AL) and Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) will join Protect Our Care for a virtual press conference to discuss the urgent need for Congress to prevent the American Rescue Plan’s enhanced premium tax credits from expiring. This year, a record 14.5 million people signed up for coverage through the ACA marketplaces thanks in large part to the enhanced tax credits, which saved families hundreds of dollars on their monthly health care costs. Now, Democrats are fighting to extend these tax credits for working families — but if Congress fails to act, premiums will skyrocket at the end of this year. Speakers will also discuss ongoing efforts to drive down health care costs and expand access to quality coverage for millions of Americans. 

Congresswoman Underwood led 26 Swing-District House Democratic Members in a letter urging Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Schumer to prioritize lowering health care costs, including extending  the enhanced advance premium tax credits and expanding Medicaid coverage in upcoming reconciliation legislation.

PRESS CALL:
WHO:
U.S. Representative Peter Welch (D-VT-AL)
U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14)
Jessica Ice, patient storyteller
Leslie Dach, Chair of Protect Our Care

WHAT: Virtual Press Conference to Discuss Urgent Need to Lower Health Costs & Expand Coverage In Build Back Better Act

WHERE: Register for the Event Here

WHEN: Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 12:30 PM ET

Insurers Already Seeking Premium Increases as High as 16.5 Percent

The American Rescue Plan saved families thousands of dollars on their health care premiums, but these savings are set to expire, and a health care crisis is looming. This week gave us the first glimpse into how this will play out across the country when private insurers in Vermont proposed rate increases as high as 16.5 percent. Unless Congress extends the health care premium reductions in the American Rescue Plan, millions of Americans will see dramatic increases in their 2023 health insurance premiums, and many will no longer be able to afford insurance at all. 

Experts say insurers are likely to seek double digit increases in state after state, due to issues like supply chain shortages, projected COVID costs, and increased hospital costs. Congress must move swiftly to prevent skyrocketing premium increases and protect health coverage for millions. If Congress does not act, news of premiums skyrocketing will be front and center just as Americans begin signing up for coverage in November.

The ARP and Vermont

In Vermont, the American Rescue Plan saved families thousands on their premiums, and if the expanded tax credits end this year, it will force more than 16,000 Vermonters to pay significantly more for their health coverage, and force 3,000 to become uninsured. 

The Premium Increase Timeline:

• Currently Underway: Insurance providers are currently negotiating premium rates for 2023. If Congress does not act to extend the ARP’s premiums savings, insurers will be forced to assume the tax credits will expire at the end of the year, which will result in sizable premium price increases. Already, private health insurers in Vermont have requested approvals for double-digit premium increases from state regulators in 2023.
• July: Most premium rate changes on state exchanges will start being  finalized and public in July. 
• September & October: Enrollees will be notified of plan price changes officially in September and October, with rates required to be finalized by October 15.
• November 1: The annual open enrollment period for ACA marketplaces begins November 1.
• November 8: Election Day is November 8, one week after open enrollment for 2023 is set to begin. 

Protect Our Care Builds on Seven-Figure Campaign With New Ads in 8 Key Districts Around the Country

Watch the Ad Here

Kansas — Today, Protect Our Care is releasing a new ad highlighting Sharice Davids’ (KS-03) efforts to bring down health care and prescription drug costs for Kansans. The ad features a testimonial from Mindy, a Type I diabetic who struggles to afford life saving medications. In the ad, Mindy tells her personal story and thanks lawmakers like Rep. Davids for standing up to big pharmaceutical companies and fighting to lower prescription drug prices and cap insulin costs. 

Polling shows that health care consistently ranks as a top concern for Americans, particularly when they are concerned about higher prices. People across political parties overwhelmingly support reforms to bring down health care costs. Protect Our Care’s new ad will begin running on Tuesday, May 17 on broadcast and cable television, streaming services, YouTube and other digital platforms. 

The new ad is part of a multi-million dollar campaign announced last month to support health care champions fighting to lower health care costs. The overall campaign is focused in the following districts: Reps. Cindy Axne (IA-03), Angie Craig (MN-02), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Andy Kim (NJ-03), Susie Lee (NV-03), Elissa Slotkin (MI-08), Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), and Susan Wild (PA-07). Last month, Protect Our Care released ads highlighting Rep. Davids’ work to ban surprise medical bills and lower insulin prices. Watch the first ads in the series here.

“Rep. Davids is working tirelessly to lower the costs of health insurance and prescription drugs for Kansans,” said Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach. “Kansans are worried about rising costs and Rep. David’s is leading the fight to give them more breathing room as they manage their family budget. Thanks to Rep. Davids’ efforts, we are closer than ever to ensuring Kansans can afford the health care they need.” 

Ad Script for KS-03:
The drug companies just keep raising prices.
I pay three hundred and fifty dollars for my diabetes medication.
I can’t keep up with that…
But finally, Congress is doing something about it.
Congresswoman Sharice Davids.
She’s taking on big drug companies to cap the cost of insulin, and to allow Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices.
Fighting to bring down drug costs  – that means everything to me.
Congresswoman Sharice Davids.
Lowering costs, for us.

Republicans Select Radical MAGA Champion Ted Budd in North Carolina Senate Primary

Washington DC — Last night, Trump-backed candidate Rep. Ted Budd won the GOP Senate primary in North Carolina. During his time in Congress, he has repeatedly voted against measures to lower health care costs for American families, and he proudly supports repealing the Affordable Care Act and its critical protections for North Carolinians. In response, Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse issued the following statement: 

“With an abysmal record on health care, it is clear that Ted Budd only wants to continue Trump’s war on health care and raise costs on the American people. He voted against the American Rescue Plan, which delivered lower premiums for millions, he voted against capping insulin costs, and he continues to block Medicare negotiation and expanded access to affordable coverage. Even worse, Ted Budd wants to return to repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act — even as more Americans are covered than ever before. Ted Budd does not represent the hardworking people of North Carolina, and he is not fit to shape our health care laws in the Senate for years to come.”  

Ted Budd Wants To Repeal The ACA

2022: Budd Confirmed That He Still Wants To Repeal The ACA.  In an interview with the Ruthless podcast in April 2022, Budd called it unfortunate that Republicans still haven’t repealed the Affordable Care Act saying, “We passed health care reform in the house, but unfortunately, didn’t make it to the Senate.”  Budd went even further in another radio interview the same day, lambasting Republican senators who missed their “shot” to repeal the ACA by “fighting against President Trump and us trying to overturn it.” 

2017: Budd Called For “Nothing Short Of Full Repeal Of Obamacare.”  Budd penned an op-ed in April 2017 castigating his fellow Republicans for their insufficient commitment to repealing the ACA.  Budd attacked the initial draft of AHCA for not going far enough to repeal essential health benefits and protections for people with pre-existing conditions.  Budd concluded, “I will work to fully repeal Obamacare.”  Budd eventually voted for the final version of AHCA, which would have ripped coverage away from hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians and ended protections for pre-existing conditions for millions more. 

Ted Budd Has Voted Against Lowering Health Care Costs Time And Time Again

2022:  Ted Budd Voted Against Capping Insulin Costs At $35 A Month.  Budd voted for higher insulin costs by opposing the Affordable Insulin Now Act, legislation that caps out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35 a month for millions of diabetics with private insurance and Medicare coverage.  

2021: Ted Budd Voted Against Lower Drug Prices, Lower Premiums, And Expanded Health Care For Millions.  Budd voted against the Build Back Better bill in November 2021. BBB gave Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices and capped out of pocket drug spending for seniors at $2,000 a year.  The savings from prescription drug price negotiation were used to provide a hearing benefit under Medicare for the first time.  BBB also would have extended the premium relief provided to millions of Americans by the American Rescue Plan and provided coverage for 2.2 million Americans in the Medicaid gap. 

2021: Ted Budd Voted Against Providing Relief For North Carolina Families With The American Rescue Plan.  Budd voted against the American Rescue Plan, which included measures to expand coverage and to dramatically lower health care costs for thousands of families across North Carolina. In addition to providing critical pandemic relief, the ARP lowered premiums for people purchasing coverage through the marketplaces and expanded access to financial assistance for more middle-class families. 

2019: Ted Budd Voted Against Historic Legislation To Lower Prescription Drug Prices. Budd voted against the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3), historic legislation to drastically reduce Americans’ prescription drug prices by up to 55% and save taxpayers nearly $500 billion over the next 10 years. H.R. 3 included the most comprehensive drug pricing reform in American history and the largest expansion to Medicare’s vision, dental and hearing benefits in decades.

Ted Budd Supports Rick Scott’s Plan To “Sunset” The ACA And Medicare

2022: Budd Said He Generally Supported Rick Scott’s Blueprint To Raise Taxes On Millions Of Americans And “Sunset” Vital Health Programs. Ted Budd said he generally agreed with the major points of Sen. Rick Scott’s legislative agenda, which would raise taxes on millions of Americans and includes “sunsetting” every federal law after five years – this would include the Affordable Care Act and its protections for millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions as well as the crucial lifelines of Social Security and Medicare.