In just one month, Idahoans will be forced to bear the costs of the Republicans’ health care affordability crisis. On January 1, more than 100,000 Idahoans will face premium hikes averaging 114%, on top of the tens of thousands who will lose Medicaid coverage due to GOP policies and funding cuts.
Americans across the country have begged Trump and Republicans to act on the expiring enhanced ACA premium tax credits, but they have refused time and time again. Just last week, Trump pushed back against a health care proposal from his own White House, declaring that “somebody said that I want to extend them for two years. I don’t want to extend them for two years. I’d rather not extend them at all.” That’s after Trump’s CMS Administrator, Dr. Mehmet Oz, refused to commit the Administration to making sure Americans can afford insurance.
In response, Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea released the following statement:
“Idaho families are being hit with a health care crisis created by Republicans in Washington. Next month, more than 100,000 Idahoans will see their premiums more than double because Republicans like Russ Fulcher, Mike Simpson, Jim Risch, and Mike Crapo refused to extend the ACA tax credits that keep coverage affordable. Thousands more will lose Medicaid under GOP policies and funding cuts. Idahoans asked for action. Republicans ignored the people they are supposed to serve. Mike Simpson even claimed the credits were ‘too expensive’ while backing billionaire tax breaks that cost ten times more than keeping families insured. Idaho Democrats fought to stop this spike in costs because we know working families need access to the care that keeps kids, parents, and grandparents healthy. Idaho deserves leaders who stand with families, not politicians who side with billionaires while people struggle to afford the care they rely on.”
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