Rep. Cisneros Votes to Extend ACA Tax Credits, Reduce Healthcare Costs
Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Gil Cisneros (CA-31) voted in favor of extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits to reduce healthcare costs. Premiums rose substantially after Republicans ended the Affordable Care Act tax credits and healthcare costs soared following the passage of the Republican funding bill just a few months ago. The measure to restore the ACA tax credits for the next three years passed the House.
“Today, I proudly voted yes on the clean bill to restore the ACA tax credits, because we need these cost-saving tax credits to give relief to the millions of Americans feeling crushed by the weight of healthcare costs,” said Rep. Cisneros. “In my district alone, over 44,000 individuals stand to lose their healthcare thanks to this Republican-manufactured healthcare crisis. Across America, that number rises to 22 million.
“After orchestrating the longest government shutdown in our history, Republicans finally joined ranks with every Democrat to protect healthcare for their people. This could have ended before it even started, if Republicans had the courage to do the right thing months ago, before people had to bear the costs of the premium hikes. Instead, they held the government hostage because they were too afraid to stand against the President.
“Across America, our communities deserve access to quality and affordable care, and while the fight to lower healthcare costs continues, today’s vote was a step in the right direction. Now, we must continue the momentum to reform our healthcare system to work for everyone, not just those who can afford it. Last month, I took action to introduce a comprehensive healthcare plan to address the healthcare crisis by lowering costs, expanding access to high-quality care, and protecting the programs that millions of working Americans and seniors rely on. I will continue to stand united with the entire Democratic party as we fight for a more affordable future.”
Without the ACA tax credits, people in CA-31 would have seen their healthcare premiums rise by up to $13,783. Approximately 39,000 individuals would have seen their cost of coverage soar this year and an estimated 44,360 would have lost their coverage altogether. There has been a 31% decrease in new enrollees in the district compared to a year ago. Most enrollees switching coverage tiers are moving to coverage with higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs creating barriers to access to care for many.
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