***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2024***
If Republicans Let Premium Tax Credits Expire, Health Care Costs Will Rise for Millions of Americans
Today, December 20th, 2024, Protect Our Care Maine and Alaska hold events with State Senator Joe Baldacci (D-ME-9), State Representatives Annie Graham (D-ME-105), Genevieve Mina (D-AK-19), and local advocates to discuss the urgent need for Congress to stop Republican premium hikes. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment period runs through January 15, and people will continue to save thousands of dollars on their health care thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act’s enhanced premium tax credits. As Congress continues to negotiate a health care package, new reporting indicates that Republicans have rejected Democrats’ proposal to extend the Inflation Reduction Act’s enhanced premium tax credits for one year. Republicans are working overtime to dole out more tax breaks to their wealthy friends on Wall Street. If these tax credits do expire, Republicans will own this premium hike for middle-class families and the coverage losses for millions that come with it.
Thanks to these savings passed by the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress, over 62,000 enrolled in ACA Marketplace plans in 2024. But these tax credits are set to expire at the end of 2025. Millions of Americans are depending on lower premiums. According to a new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, if Congress does not take action to extend the Inflation Reduction Act’s savings, many will see their insurance premiums increase. Speakers will urge Congress to renew these tax credits so that Americans can continue to rely on these savings to remain insured and healthy.
MAINE
WHO:
State Senator Joe Baldacci (D-ME-9)
State Representative Annie Graham (D-ME-105)
Kate Ende, Consumers for Affordable Health Care
Toby McGrath, Protect Our Care Maine
WHAT: Virtual Press Conference
WHERE: Register for the Zoom here [Registration required]
WHEN: Friday, December 20 at 2:00 PM ET
ALASKA
WHO:
State Representative Genevieve Mina (D-AK-19)
Stephanie Bergstrom, Lifelong Alaskan enrolled in the Open Market
Amber Lee, Protect Our Care Alaska
WHAT: Virtual Press Conference
WHERE: Register for the Zoom here [Registration required]
WHEN: Friday, December 20, at 11:30 AM AKST // 3:30 PM ET