WASHINGTON – Consumers for Quality Care (CQC) released the following statement from Board Member, Donna M. Christensen, former U.S. Representative and physician, addressing the expiration of the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies and the resulting consequences for consumers and families across the country:

“The expiration of the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies is a devastating blow to millions of consumers and families across the United States who rely on affordable, comprehensive health coverage.

These subsidies have lowered monthly premiums, expanded access to care, and helped millions of Americans, including working families, seniors not yet eligible for Medicare, small business owners, and people living with chronic conditions, maintain coverage they otherwise could not afford. Allowing these subsidies to expire has left consumers with sudden and steep premium increases, forcing many to make impossible choices between paying for health insurance and covering basic necessities like rent, groceries, and utilities.

For too many Americans, higher costs will mean dropping coverage altogether. Losing health insurance does not just jeopardize individual health – it leads to delayed care, worsening health outcomes, higher medical debt, and greater strain on hospitals and providers. The ripple effects will be felt across communities, particularly in rural areas and among communities of color, where access to affordable coverage is already fragile.

Consumers for Quality Care believes that health care is a right and therefore affordable health coverage is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Allowing these subsidies to expire will reverse years of progress in expanding access to care and protecting consumers from catastrophic health costs. Policymakers must act to extend and strengthen the ACA subsidies so that Americans can continue to access the care they need without fear of financial ruin. The health and economic security of millions of consumers depend on it.”