Republican lawmakers are under increasing pressure from various advocacy groups, constituents, and even members of their own party to protect essential healthcare tax credits established under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These tax credits are set to expire at the end of the year, posing a significant risk to millions of Americans relying on affordable health coverage.
With the GOP contemplating their next steps, party members seem more apprehensive about defying President Donald Trump, who continues to advocate for dismantling the ACA, than they are about the healthcare needs of their constituents.
In a bid to raise awareness, Keep Americans Covered (KAC), a coalition dedicated to healthcare advocacy, has launched an extensive ad campaign funded with seven figures. This campaign targets lawmakers across 12 states, including those represented by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-SD).
The campaign highlights the real-life struggles of individuals affected by the potential loss of tax credits, featuring personal stories like that of Jessica, a restaurant manager and cancer survivor from Arizona. Jessica underscores the challenges her family faces as they navigate chronic illness, saying, “We were living a perfectly normal life, and we suddenly had a child that had a chronic illness. We’re not wealthy. Money can get tight… we need Congress to take action now. It’s vital for us. We need these healthcare tax credits passed today.”
As the Senate gears up to discuss a tax bill recently passed by the House, which would lead to the expiration of the ACA tax credits, over 20 million Americans find themselves at risk of soaring premiums or losing their coverage altogether. According to a recent analysis by the National Academy for State Health Policy, the consequences of letting these tax credits lapse could be financially devastating for families.
For example, a 64-year-old couple in North Carolina making $82,800 could see their annual premiums increase by more than $18,000. Similarly, a family of four in Florida earning $93,000 could confront a staggering 66% increase, costing them an additional $61,920 per year.
KAC’s report emphasizes the gravity of these scenarios, stating, “These aren’t hypothetical scenarios. They are real numbers for real people. The cost of doing nothing is real too. If this support is allowed to lapse, many families will be forced to make impossible choices: Do they pay their premium or their rent?”
The effects of this potential lapse extend beyond individual families, impacting the economy as well. More than four million small business owners who purchase their health insurance depend heavily on these tax credits. If these were to disappear, many businesses might be forced to cut jobs, freeze growth, or even shut down completely. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” a KAC ad insists. “But without affordable health coverage, many won’t survive. What will they cut to stay insured?”
On the political front, the stakes continue to rise. A KAC-commissioned nationwide poll indicates that a notable 72% of voters, including 63% of Republicans, advocate for extending the tax credits. In battleground House districts, more than two-thirds of voters expressed the importance of Congressional action, with nearly half stating that they would be less inclined to support lawmakers who oppose the tax credit extension.
Despite this widespread support, partisan divisions remain evident. Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), who is up for re-election in 2026, has called for a bipartisan approach, suggesting the need for collaborative legislation. Conversely, Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) has aligned himself with President Trump’s critiques of the ACA, claiming it increases the national deficit. “There’s been a facade out there about the entire program actually paying for itself,” Rounds remarked.
As health policy experts urge a prompt resolution, they warn that time is of the essence. Premiums for 2026 are in the finalization process. “Congress can’t afford to wait until the last minute,” the KAC report cautions. “Coverage decisions are being made now. Families need clarity—and relief.”
The collaboration behind Keep Americans Covered includes AARP, cancer advocacy groups, and various national organizations representing medical professionals and health insurers. They emphasize that the decision facing Congress is pivotal: extend the tax credits or push millions of Americans into financial and medical hardship.
“The Senate and President Trump still have time to prevent this crisis,” KAC declared in a recent statement. “But not much. They must act quickly to protect the marketplace, extend the health care tax credit, and support working people in America.”
image source from：https://chicagodefender.com/republicans-warned-protect-health-credits-or-pay-politically/?utm_source=newsshowcase&utm_medium=gnews&utm_campaign=CDAqEAgAKgcICjCNsMkLMM3L4AMwy9blAw&utm_content=rundown
