We DO Need These: Virginians Need Health Care, and a One-Year Extension Won’t Cut It
Over 100,000 Virginians are at risk of losing their health insurance if these tax credits are not renewed.
Virginia Beach, VA - With the upcoming Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment period approaching on November 1st, many families are bracing for the loss of their essential health care tax credits and an increase in costs. Meanwhile, Rep. Jen Kiggans told Punchbowl News, “we don’t need these”, and proposed legislation to extend tax credits by one year, instead of making them permanent. This, on the heels of Medicaid cuts, has left working families reeling, uncertain of what the future holds for their loved ones who would not be able to access health care or afford insurance. With government funding running out in a matter of days, the fact that Republicans in Congress, like Rep. Jen Kiggans, are even thinking about removing the health care tax credits altogether is unconscionable. And all to give tax breaks to billionaires rather than give thousands of her constituents the chance at affordable health care.
“The ACA gave me the chance to finally start my own software consulting business after years of putting that dream on hold because health insurance was tied to an employer," said Heather S, Virginia Beach resident. “For the first time, I could be my own boss and still know my family had coverage. If these health care tax credits disappear, countless people like me who depend on affordable care could be forced back to the sidelines, and we’ll all pay the price as costs rise.”
“Extending the health care tax credits by one year doesn’t do nearly enough,” said Emily Yeatts, Affordable Virginia Campaigns Director. “We live in the only developed country where medical debt is even a possibility, let alone common. Protecting the health care tax credits and returning Medicaid funding to previous levels is essential for our working families. Instead of Republicans in Congress and Rep. Jen Kiggans working across the aisle to make these health care tax credits permanent, they are willing to increase costs on working families. This administration just keeps stacking the odds against working families, and Rep. Jen Kiggans’ letter-writing campaign isn’t enough to help. We demand action. Rep. Kiggans, save health care tax credits, not just now, but for future generations. We are telling Rep. Kiggans: ‘Virginia is for lovers, NOT billionaires.’