ICYMI: On Call with Arizonans, Kelly Highlights How Rising Premiums Threaten Families’ Health

In case you missed it, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly spoke with Arizonans who will see their health care premiums spike if Republicans continue refusing to work with Democrats on solutions. These Arizonans shared personal stories about their health care and how losing ACA tax credits will raise their premium costs.

Kelly has been clear that this fight is about the price Americans pay for their health care.

Sen. Kelly speaks to (from left to right, top to bottom) Emily, Stephanie, Cricket, and Vivian.

Watch the full call here. See key excepts below:

Kelly on what rising premiums means for families…

"I want to thank the Arizonans who are on this call who are going to share their stories. It takes courage to speak up about something so personal. And I'm really grateful that you're here to put a human face on what this fight is all about […] This is coming up really fast. Many families are going to be logging on to healthcare.gov starting on November 1st to sign up for coverage for next year, and they're going to see premiums that are hundreds or in some cases thousands of dollars higher than what they pay today. And for many families that's going to be chaos."

Cricket on how ACA is her only health care option…

"That coverage kept me from either going into debt or losing my home, a situation far too many people experience. And on top of that, it is essential for someone my age to receive checkups and medication to live a long, healthy life. Without the ACA, people like me, older workers and small business owners, would have nowhere to turn. I wonder if those Republicans who cut our health care have ever had to choose between paying a medical bill, were paying their mortgage, because that is a reality for so many of us.

My message to the Republicans is stop playing games with our lives. Come to the negotiating table and restore ACA subsidies now. People like me are just trying to stay healthy and make an honest living. We deserve stability and dignity and not uncertainty and fear."

Emily on how the ACA helped her during her last pregnancy…

"Several years ago, during one of my pregnancies, I had a medical emergency that put me in the hospital for weeks. Without ACA coverage, that one emergency could have bankrupted us.

The ACA allows moms like me to care for our families while contributing to our communities. It gives families like mine peace of mind and stability. I am asking Republicans to come to the table, stop using families as bargaining chips, and restore the ACA subsidies, because no parent should have to sacrifice time with their family just to barely afford health care."

Vivian on how the ACA lets her afford both health care and rent…

"It's because of the Affordable Care Act, so that I can plan towards a future where my body does not retaliate against me. Without that coverage, I would be uninsured and forced to choose between my health and my rent. For me, health care is about more than staying alive. It's about living without fear that a sudden medical emergency will topple the foundation that I've worked really hard to build.

That's why I'm calling on Republicans to stop holding our healthcare hostage, come to negotiation and restore the ACA subsidy. My story is not unique. There are millions of people just like me, who just want the chance to stay healthy and show up for our community."