1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

The looming expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits on December 31 threatens to dramatically increase healthcare costs for millions of Americans, including many families in our community. As your constituent, I urge you to support the extension of these crucial subsidies as part of the current government funding negotiations. These enhanced credits, implemented during the COVID-19 crisis, have made ACA marketplace plans significantly more affordable. Without immediate action, many families, including my own, will face steep premium increases. In Iowa alone, insurance carriers have filed 2026 rate increases ranging from 12.6% to over 25% if the subsidies expire. The impact on individual families could be severe. For instance, a family of four earning $70,000 annually could see their monthly premiums skyrocket from $300 to $1,000. This sudden financial burden could force many to forgo health insurance altogether, putting their health and financial security at risk. My family, like many others in your district, relies on these subsidies to afford quality healthcare coverage. While I understand concerns about the cost of extending these subsidies, estimated at $355 billion over ten years, we must weigh this against the human cost of allowing millions to lose affordable healthcare coverage. Moreover, the stability these subsidies provide to the ACA marketplace benefits all participants by maintaining a diverse risk pool and preventing premium spikes. Time is of the essence. Open enrollment for 2026 ACA plans begins on November 1, and insurers are already setting rates based on the anticipated subsidy expiration. Swift action is necessary to prevent disruption in the insurance market and provide certainty to both insurers and consumers. I strongly urge you to prioritize the extension of these vital ACA subsidies in the current budget negotiations. This issue transcends partisan lines – it's about ensuring your constituents, including families like mine, have access to affordable healthcare. Please take immediate action to protect the health and financial well-being of Iowa families and millions of Americans nationwide.