Sen. Baldwin’s Bill Safeguards Affordable Health Care Access

Article Summary –

Democratic Senators Tammy Baldwin and Jeanne Shaheen introduced a bill to permanently extend enhanced premium tax credits for ACA marketplace health insurance, initially passed in 2021 and set to expire in 2025, which saved Wisconsin residents an average of $573 per month in 2024. The bill is co-sponsored by 39 Senate Democrats, with no Republican support, and aims to prevent 61,000 Wisconsin residents from losing access to subsidized plans and 30,000 from losing insurance entirely. Senator Baldwin emphasized the importance of maintaining the tax credits to prevent increased health care costs, while Republican Senator Ron Johnson and former President Trump have historically opposed the ACA, advocating for its repeal and replacement.

Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin and New Hampshire Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen have unveiled a bill aimed at solidifying enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These credits, initially approved in 2021, reportedly saved 231,646 Wisconsinites about $573 monthly in 2024, according to KFF estimates.

The ACA, also known as Obamacare, set up a marketplace for health insurance with tax credits for lower-income Americans. President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act further enhanced these credits, extending them through 2025.

Baldwin and Shaheen’s Health Care Affordability Act intends to make these credits permanent, with 39 Senate Democratic co-sponsors. The nonpartisan Urban Institute projects that without these credits, 61,000 fewer Wisconsinites would have subsidized plans, with 30,000 potentially losing coverage.

“Every Wisconsinite should have access to necessary health care. Our ACA brought health care into reach for millions,” Baldwin stated in a press release. She emphasized the importance of making these tax breaks permanent to avoid skyrocketing costs for families.

No Senate Republican members endorse this proposal. Wisconsin Republican Sen. Ron Johnson, who has advocated for ACA repeal, did not respond to requests for comment.

In 2016, President Donald Trump pledged to repeal ACA but failed to deliver. During a 2024 debate, Trump asserted having new “concepts” for a second term.