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Trump, Donald

Durbin Slams Republicans for Having No Plan to Reduce Health Care Costs for Americans

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Senator Dick Durbin delivered a speech on the Senate floor, urging congressional Republicans to work with Democrats to extend the Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits, which allow tens of millions of Americans to afford their health insurance premiums. If these enhanced tax credits expire, more than four million Americans are expected to lose their health care coverage, including over 140,000 people in Illinois. Durbin stressed that Republicans have no plan to replace the ACA, despite attempting to overturn it for years.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 60% of people relying on the enhanced tax credits live in Republican-led Congressional districts, including 53,000 in South Dakota, which will face significant premium increases.
  • If the enhanced premium tax credits expire, more than four million Americans will lose their health care coverage, including over 140,000 people in Illinois.
  • The average monthly premium under the Affordable Care Act in Cook County, Illinois, will increase from $226 to $441, a 95% increase.
  • Almost 60% of people relying on the enhanced tax credits live in Republican-led Congressional districts, with the majority facing premium increases.
  • Republicans have been trying to overturn the ACA for years, without proposing an alternative plan to replace it.
  • Senator Dick Durbin called for bipartisan negotiations to end the government shutdown and extend the enhanced premium tax credits.
  • The government shutdown has lasted for over a month, and Republicans in the House of Representatives have not been in session since September 19th.

Statistics:

  • 60% of people relying on the enhanced tax credits live in Republican-led Congressional districts.
  • Over 140,000 people in Illinois will lose their health care coverage if the enhanced premium tax credits expire.
  • The average monthly premium under the Affordable Care Act in Cook County, Illinois, will increase by 95%, from $226 to $441.
  • 24 million people across the United States will face health insurance premium increases.
  • The enhanced premium tax credits allow tens of millions of Americans to afford their health insurance premiums.

Sources:

  • https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-slams-republicans-for-having-no-plan-to-reduce-health-care-costs-for-americans (Senator Dick Durbin's press release)

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