Rhode Island Small Business Owners Fear Health Cost Hikes Under Republicans' Looming Plans

Strategic Insights -

Small business owners in Rhode Island are worried about the looming health cost hikes under Republicans' plans, which would cause approximately 7,000 small business owners to lose access to affordable health insurance through the ACA. Senator Jack Reed and Congressman Gabe Amo met with these business owners to discuss their fears and the impact of Republicans' refusal to lower health costs. Without the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, these small business owners will have to make impossible choices between healthcare and other essential expenses. Democrats have a plan to reopen the government and prevent small businesses and families from losing healthcare.

Key Takeaways:

  • Approximately 7,000 small business owners in Rhode Island rely on the ACA for health insurance, which would lose access to affordable health insurance if Republicans' plans go through.
  • The Enhanced Premium Tax Credits make ACA health insurance plans through HealthSourceRI affordable for countless small business owners, who will have to make impossible choices without them.
  • Senator Jack Reed and Congressman Gabe Amo are fighting to prevent Republicans' refusal to lower health costs, which would leave many small business owners unable to afford health insurance.
  • Congressman Gabe Amo has voted to protect Rhode Islanders' health care since being sworn into Congress in 2023 and has met with impacted Rhode Islanders across the First Congressional District.
  • Senate Republicans have blocked efforts to fund the federal government and protect Americans' health care, even as some Senate Republicans begin to acknowledge the need for action.
  • Without action, health care premium costs will increase by as much as 200% or more for many Rhode Islanders.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 7,000 small business owners in Rhode Island rely on the ACA for health insurance.
  • 200% or more increase in health care premium costs without action.
  • Senator Jack Reed has voted 7 times to fund the federal government and protect Americans' health care.
  • Congressman Gabe Amo has met with impacted Rhode Islanders across the First Congressional District.

Sources:

  • "Reed, Amo Met with Rhode Island Small Business Owners Worried About Trump and Republicans' Looming Health Cost Hikes" - House Committee on Small Business website (link is external).