Magaziner Visits WellOne Health Center to Discuss Health Care Affordability Crisis Amid Government Shutdown

PASCOAG, RI - Today, U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02) visited WellOne Health Center in Pascoag to meet with health care providers about the ongoing health care affordability crisis and the importance of including federal health care funding in Congress's budget.

The visit comes as health insurance costs are poised to spike significantly for tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders due to the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits and cuts to Medicaid passed by Congressional Republicans over the summer. Disagreements about the level of health care funding in the budget have led to a government shutdown, now in its 22nd day. Magaziner has repeatedly called on his colleagues in Congress to support a budget agreement that addresses rising health care costs.

"Today's discussion with health care leaders at WellOne made clear that we urgently need to support health care providers and ensure they can keep their doors open while lowering costs for Rhode Island patients," said Magaziner. "I'm calling on my colleagues to return to Washington, reopen the government, and extend Affordable Care Act tax credits that help Rhode Islanders afford their coverage and support the health care providers who care for people in our state."

"We are grateful to Congressman Magaziner for taking the time to see our work in action. His visit is a testament to the importance of community health centers, and we appreciate his partnership as we continue our mission to serve the health needs of the Rhode Island communities that we serve in an increasingly challenging environment" said Peter Bancroft, WellOne President and CEO.

This event comes as Affordable Care Act tax credits are set to expire at the end of this year unless Congress acts to keep them in place. The credits currently help 22 million Americans, including more than 40,000 Rhode Islanders who have commercial insurance plans through HealthSource RI, afford their health coverage.

During the meeting, Magaziner and leaders emphasized that if tax credits expire, Rhode Islanders will face steep premium increases, and the loss of federal health care funding will ripple through the health care system, impacting hospitals and providers and raising health insurance costs for everyone.

In addition, health care costs are rising due to deep cuts to Medicaid passed by Congressional Republicans earlier this year, which will kick 15 million people off their health insurance. All these factors are contributing to a health care affordability crisis that is now compounded by a government shutdown.