Families USA Statement on Congressional Republicans Refusal to Extend Health Care Tax Credits for Millions of Americans, Government Shutdown

10.01.2025 /Statement

Families USA Statement on Congressional Republicans Refusal to Extend Health Care Tax Credits for Millions of Americans, Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Anthony Wright, executive director of Families USA, today released the following statement as Congressional leadership failed to keep the government open and extend enhanced tax credits for the more than 22 million Americans who buy coverage in the health insurance marketplaces. With Open Enrollment just weeks away, millions of Americans now face huge spikes in their premiums and out-of-pocket health care costs.

"We shouldn't need a shutdown to prevent a massive spike in health insurance premiums. After an election on affordability, Republican leaders are betraying their own voters with their willingness to shut down the government to avoid extending tax credits that help more than 20 million working-class Americans afford health care. When Republicans in Congress passed huge, permanent tax credits for billionaires and big corporations this summer, they blocked multiple attempts and amendments to similarly extend the tax credits that help working families pay their health insurance premiums.

"President Trump and members of Congress promised to take action to lower costs on day one, and yet nearly one year in, the biggest cost impact will be premium spikes that they could have easily prevented. Congress must act now to make good on their promise to lower costs immediately and make these enhanced health care tax credits permanent.

"People have been rightfully demanding lower costs for groceries, but the average premium increase of over $700 will far exceed what most people pay for eggs in an entire year. Health care consumers will face major sticker shock as their monthly health care expenses rise by hundreds or even thousands of dollars and millions will fall off coverage. Congress must come together to open the government and pass a permanent extension of the enhanced tax credits, period."

Reporters seeking information or interviews about the impact of premium increases on specific populations, state-by-state fact sheets, or stories of those affected can contact Families USA's experts for comment and resources.