Tax credits for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are set to expire at the end of 2025, which will result in a significant increase in health insurance premiums for millions of people. Terry Davis, a self-employed woman in her 60s, is among those who will be affected by the expiration of the subsidies. She currently pays around $500 per month for her health insurance, but expects her premiums to rise to at least $3,000 per month if the subsidies are not extended. This would be unsustainable for her and her husband, and they may be forced to stop paying for insurance altogether.
Davis is not alone in her concerns. Many people are seeking help to understand their options for health insurance and to find more affordable alternatives. Staff at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, are assisting individuals with enrollment and navigating the complexities of health insurance plans. One of the challenges is ensuring that people choose plans that cover their needs, including their providers, hospitals, and prescription medications.
The expiration of the ACA subsidies is a result of congressional inaction, despite efforts by Senate Democrats to extend the credits during the recent government shutdown. The odds of lawmakers intervening to extend the subsidies appear bleak, leaving many individuals and families to face significant increases in their health insurance costs.
As the open enrollment period approaches, organizations like Mercy Medical Center are offering assistance to those who need help navigating the system. Individuals can contact the hospital’s Eligibility Team for guidance on choosing a health insurance plan that meets their needs. For Davis and many others, the expiration of the ACA subsidies is a daunting prospect, and they are hoping that federal lawmakers will take action to address the issue and provide relief to those who will be affected. Without an extension of the subsidies, many people will be forced to make difficult choices about their health insurance, and some may be forced to go without coverage altogether.