ACA credit expiration could raise health costs for Pennsylvanians

Pennsylvania health care advocates warn a pending vote in Congress could sharply raise insurance costs for hundreds of thousands of residents, as federal tax credits that help people afford coverage under the Affordable Care Act are set to expire at the end of the year. At a press call this week, advocates said Pennsylvania could be among the states hardest hit if the credits are not extended, pointing to data from the state’s insurance marketplace showing steep premium increases ahead.

Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Pa., said the impact would be immediate for families relying on the ACA.

"What they have said is that the average premium increase, average, will be 102%. So a family that today is paying five hundred dollars a month overnight will be paying a thousand a month," he said.

Republicans backing the change say the enhanced tax credits were always temporary and argue federal spending must be reduced. Nonpartisan analysts, including the Congressional Budget Office, estimate millions of Americans could lose coverage if the credits expire.

Vaishu Jawahar, director of policy programs with Protect Our Care, said the effects would extend beyond those who buy insurance on the marketplace, warning of broader consequences for hospitals, workers, and insured patients alike.

"Even if they’re not getting their coverage on their own through the healthcare marketplace, this is going to affect everyone regardless of where they're getting their health insurance, because when people lose coverage, they still end up needing health care," she said.

Advocates say higher uninsured rates could increase uncompensated care costs for Pennsylvania hospitals and clinics, particularly in rural and underserved areas already facing financial strain. They note lawmakers still have options to extend the credits, but say time is running short as the January deadline approaches.