Congressman Vicente Gonzalez Calls on Republicans to Restore Medicaid Funding and Extend Premium Tax Credits

Strategic Insights -

Congressman Vicente Gonzalez joined over 60 Democratic colleagues in cosponsoring the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act, aiming to reverse drastic health care cuts passed in the "Big, Ugly Bill" and permanently extend enhanced premium tax credits. The Republican budget law is set to strip health care from nearly 15 million Americans, including over 1.4 million Texans and 40,000 people in TX-34 who rely on Medicaid or the Affordable Care Act. Without congressional action, South Texans who obtain health care through the ACA will face nearly 200% higher insurance costs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act aims to reverse the drastic health care cuts passed in the "Big, Ugly Bill" by restoring Medicaid funding and extending premium tax credits.
  • The Republican budget law will strip health care from nearly 15 million Americans, including over 1.4 million Texans and 40,000 people in TX-34 who rely on Medicaid or the ACA.
  • Without congressional action, South Texans who obtain health care through the ACA will face nearly 200% higher insurance costs.
  • The bill would permanently extend the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits, benefiting millions of Americans who rely on the ACA for health insurance.
  • Congressman Vicente Gonzalez is committed to working across the aisle to ensure seniors, veterans, and families have access to affordable high-quality health care.
  • The Republican cuts will lead to closures of rural hospitals and health centers across South Texas, leaving citizens sicker and poorer.

Statistics:

  • 15 million: The number of Americans who will lose health care under the Republican budget law.
  • 1.4 million: The number of Texans who will lose Medicaid coverage due to the Republican cuts.
  • 40,000: The number of people from TX-34 who rely on Medicaid or the ACA and will lose access to health care.
  • 200%: The increase in insurance costs South Texans will face if Congress does not act to extend premium tax credits.

Sources:

  • https://gonzalez.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-vicente-gonzalez-calls-republicans-restore-medicaid-funding-and (Press Release from Congressman Vicente Gonzalez's website)