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Health care costs

Republicans' Shutdown Approach: A Threat to Families' Health Insurance Coverage

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the 28th day of the shutdown approaches, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) delivered a scathing critique of the Republicans' handling of government funding and the impact on families' health insurance coverage. Senator Murray emphasized that Republicans' refusal to negotiate on saving the ACA tax credits has led to skyrocketing premiums, with some families facing quadruple the costs. She stressed that the upcoming open enrollment period will bring the crisis to the forefront, leaving families with a stark choice between unaffordable health insurance or going without.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Republicans' refusal to negotiate on saving the ACA tax credits has led to a tripling or quadrupling of health insurance premiums for some families.
  • Senator Murray highlighted that open enrollment begins in a few days, putting pressure on families to find affordable coverage amidst skyrocketing costs.
  • Republicans' priorities, according to Senator Murray, include avoiding the healthcare debate and funding the shutdown, rather than addressing the growing premium costs.
  • House Republicans have been on vacation for six weeks in a row, demonstrating their fear of negotiating and standing up to President Trump.
  • President Trump has ignored the SNAP benefits funding, allowed kids to go hungry, and prioritizes funding the White House renovations over addressing the shutdown.
  • Senator Murray emphasized the need for Republican leaders to get serious about ending the shutdown and addressing the healthcare crisis, rather than resorting to partisan gimmicks.
  • The shutdown is a result of the Republican's unwillingness to negotiate and compromise, leaving families at risk of losing their health insurance coverage.

Statistics:

  • 6 in 10 Americans are "extremely" or "very" concerned about their health costs going up in the next year (AP).
  • 40 billion dollars have been allocated to Argentina while the President is refusing to tap emergency funds for SNAP benefits and let kids go hungry.
  • The cost of premiums has doubled, tripled, or quadrupled for some families due to the Republicans' refusal to save the ACA tax credits.

Sources:

  • AP: 6 in 10 Americans are "extremely" or "very" concerned about their health costs going up in the next year

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