Rep. Gillen Invites Floral Park Resident to State of the Union to Highlight Impacts of Rising Health Care CostsNationwide

WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) announced that she invited Floral Park resident, Karen Brandon, to be her guest at the 2026 State of the Union address. Unfortunately, due to severe weather conditions in New York on Tuesday, Karen was unable to travel to Washington for the event.

Karen, a speech therapist, has seen her health insurance premium costs soar by nearly 300% following the expiration of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, along with many other Long Islanders.

"Karen Brandon's heartbreaking story is one of thousands for Long Islanders struggling to afford basic health coverage," said Congresswoman Gillen. "Instead of finding a bipartisan solution to extend ACA premium tax credits, Republicans in Washington allowed them to expire. This has skyrocketed health coverage costs at a time when families can least afford it. This is not just numbers on a page, it's millions like Karen having to make impossible choices between their health and their budget. I won't stop fighting to lower health care costs for her or residents across Nassau County."

"Our health premiums in 2025 were $600 a month with the subsidies, and as of this January, they are now $1,900 a month," said Karen Brandon, Floral Park resident."So, they have tripled. It has caused, you know… tremendous hardship. In about five years, I'm looking to retire. This is a time where I should really be putting more money into my retirement, but I can't, because of the astronomical increase in health care. I have to take that money and pay for health care and it's not like you can go without it."

Since taking office, Congresswoman Gillen has championed efforts to make health care more affordable for thousands of Long Islanders, advocating for the extension of ACA tax credits and other measures to reduce the financial burden of medical care.

Congresswoman Gillen's decision to bring Karen to the State of the Union underscores the urgent need for Congress to act to lower health care costs and protect families.