Rep. Andrea Salinas Hosts Conversation with Constituents Impacted by Republican Health Care Crisis

Click hereto watch a recording of the event.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) hosted a virtual discussion with two of her constituents from Oregon's Sixth Congressional District, who shared how they will be impacted by Republicans' health care crisis. Rep. Salinas spoke with Sue from Salem and Steve from Beaverton, who are both facing massive increases to their health care costs because of Republicans' refusal to extend the Affordable Care Actenhanced premium tax credits.

"Right now, millions of Americans, including 16,000 in my district, are about to see their health care costs skyrocket because Republicans want to take away the ACA's enhanced premium tax credit," said Rep. Salinas. "This is going to force families to make the impossible decision between shouldering higher costs or going without health care. I'm grateful to Sue and Steve for sharing their personal stories during all of this uncertainty. Their stories are heartbreaking but entirely preventable. I urge my Republican colleagues to come back from vacation and work with Democrats on a deal that stops rising health care costs and prevents this looming disaster."

During the discussion, Sue shared that her premiums will more than double, rising from $439 to $1059 per month. However, because Sue is also a kidney donor, she plans to take on the cost of the increase. "With that rest-of-my-life potential complication, I cannot let health insurance lapse," she said.

Steve shared that his wife, Ariya, currently pays $500 per month for coverage through the Affordable Care Act. Next year, her premium is set to increase to $800 per month. "That cost would put a massive financial burden on our family," he said. As a result of this $3,600 per year increase, Steve and Ariya made the decision that she will not enroll in health care coverage next year.

Rep. Salinas emphasized that these are just two stories out of the 16,000 people in Oregon's Sixth District who are in similar situations. They are deciding to foot Republicans' bill or forgo health care coverage altogether. This cost increase also comes on top of the over 27,000 people who would lose their health care because of cuts Republicans made to Medicaid (Oregon Health Plan) in H.R. 1.

On the webinar, Rep. Salinas reiterated her commitment to easing the financial pressures facing hardworking families and improving access to affordable health care for all Americans.

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