Wisconsinites Urge Congress on Costly Health Insurance

Article Summary –

Some Wisconsinites face substantially higher health insurance premiums due to the expiration of enhanced tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, with Congress currently negotiating a renewal of these credits for three years. A bipartisan measure has passed in the House with support from 17 Republicans, including Rep. Derrick Van Orden, and is now awaiting Senate approval. Meghan Roh of Opportunity Wisconsin highlights how the rising costs of health care, groceries, and everyday items contribute to an affordability crisis impacting not only those on the Affordable Care Act but also small-business owners and employees who represent a significant portion of the marketplace coverage recipients.

By Judith Ruiz-Branch

Some Wisconsinites are urging Congress to complete efforts to pass a bipartisan bill aimed at lowering health insurance premiums that have become unaffordable.

Thousands relying on the Affordable Care Act in Wisconsin are impacted by the lapse of enhanced tax credits, which previously helped them manage health insurance costs.

Marty from Sparta, who keeps her last name private, reported her basic-level plan’s cost increased by $1,000 monthly. She had relied on $800 per month in tax credits for her health coverage.

“Friends say their costs are rising by $12,000 to $24,000 annually,” Marty shared, expressing concern for those needing medications. “It breaks my heart.”

Congress is negotiating a three-year renewal of ACA tax credits. Seventeen Republicans, including Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), joined Democrats to pass the measure in the House. The bill now awaits Senate approval.

Over 300,000 Wisconsinites received ACA health insurance last year, with rural areas, farmers, and small businesses hit hardest by premium hikes.

Meghan Roh from Opportunity Wisconsin highlighted that rising health care costs are part of a broader affordability crisis. “It’s not just health care; it’s groceries and daily essentials,” Roh said. “Even those outside the ACA feel the impact of D.C. decisions.”

Roh pointed out that half of ACA marketplace users are small-business owners, often seen as economic pillars, reinforcing the call for bipartisan support in Congress.