1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to extend the enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies before they expire in 2026, leaving an estimated 4.8 million Americans without health insurance coverage. The human cost of inaction is already visible. Robert and Emily Sory of Tennessee both lost their jobs in November 2024 and are facing the loss of their health insurance. Robert previously had a marketplace plan with zero-dollar monthly premiums due to subsidies, but for 2026, even a barebones Bronze plan would cost at least $70 per month, which they cannot afford. Without insurance, they have negotiated to pay their psychiatrist $125 per visit every three months just to maintain prescriptions, and Emily's three monthly prescriptions now cost $184 out of pocket. Emily has already accumulated substantial medical debt from necessary care. The impact will be particularly severe in the ten states that have not expanded Medicaid. The Urban Institute projects uninsured rates could jump by 65% in Mississippi and 50% in South Carolina. This crisis will strain our healthcare system as millions turn to emergency rooms for acute care and accumulate medical debt they cannot repay. The Federation of American Hospitals has warned about threats to hospitals' financial health from this influx of uninsured patients. While Federally Qualified Health Centers and charity care programs like the Dispensary of Hope provide critical safety net services, they cannot absorb 4.8 million newly uninsured Americans. These organizations are already preparing for an overwhelming surge in demand. Congress must act now to extend these enhanced subsidies. Families like the Sorys should not have to choose between affording their prescriptions and paying for basic necessities. I urge you to support legislation that extends the enhanced ACA subsidies and prevents millions of Americans from losing their health coverage.