WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey said Thursday that a bipartisan vote in the House to extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits is a critical step toward lowering health care costs for families after the credits recently expired.
In a statement released Jan. 8, Gottheimer said the expiration of the credits last week led to sharp increases in health insurance premiums for many families and warned of broader consequences if Congress fails to act.
“Just last week, the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits expired, and health insurance premiums skyrocketed — shooting up 175%, or $20,000 a year, for Jersey families,” Gottheimer said. “This marks a brutal and immediate hit to family budgets. Thousands will lose their health insurance. It’s totally unacceptable.”
Gottheimer said he has worked for months with lawmakers from both parties to reach an agreement to extend the credits, which are designed to help reduce the cost of ACA marketplace plans.
“For months, I’ve been working with Democrats and Republicans to find common ground and actually get a deal done to bring down the cost of ACA premiums,” he said. “Today’s bipartisan vote in the House extends the premium tax credits – it is a critical step to help rein in these costs.”
The congressman urged the Senate to move quickly to approve the legislation and send it to the president for signature.
“Now, we need the Senate to act immediately, pass it, and get it to the President’s desk,” Gottheimer said. “I won’t stop until this bill becomes law. The ACA premium tax credits are a lifeline for millions of Americans, helping make health care more affordable.”
