1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

I am writing to you not just as a constituent, but as someone who is watching Washington put politics before people yet again. If Congress fails to extend the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits, millions of Americans will face devastating consequences. Hundreds of thousands will lose coverage outright, and millions more will see their premiums skyrocket—by an average of 114%. Families are already getting notices in the mail warning them that their costs are about to explode, and yet Congress is dragging its feet. This is not hypothetical. This is happening right now: • August & September – Families received warnings about higher costs if Congress does not act. • October – Insurers are finalizing rates and sending renewal notices, locking in these hikes. • November – Open enrollment begins, and people must choose between unaffordable coverage or going without. • December 31 – The enhanced tax credits expire, the same day the GOP’s tax breaks for the wealthy—already extended this summer—remain untouched. Let me be clear: ordinary families cannot wait while Congress dithers. Without action, here’s what your constituents will face, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: • A typical family of four making $126,000 will see their premiums rise by $8,400. • A 60-year-old couple making $82,000 will see their premiums rise by $18,400. • A family of four making $65,000 will see their premiums rise by $2,400. Meanwhile, conservatives in Congress wasted no time passing tax cuts that overwhelmingly benefit the wealthiest among us. Where is that same urgency when it comes to lowering health care costs for middle-class families, farmers, small business owners, and veterans? You were elected to serve the people in your district—not to protect the wealthy and special interests. I urge you to act immediately to extend the enhanced premium tax credits. Anything less is a betrayal of the families you represent. I expect you to stand up for your constituents and work to prevent this crisis before it becomes a catastrophe.