Congresswoman Shontel Brown (D-Ohio) is warning Americans that their health insurance premiums could see dramatic increases starting next year after Republicans allowed key Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits to expire in their latest budget package.
In a video posted to Instagram, Brown explained that the expanded health care subsidies passed under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022—which Democrats credit for lowering ACA plan costs and expanding coverage—are set to run out at the end of this year.
“We are not talking about couch change here…We are talking hundreds of dollars more,” she said about the looming cost of healthcare.
“Democrats expanded health care tax credits in 2022… they lowered the cost of Affordable Care Act plans, got more folks covered, and kept money in their pockets,” Brown said. “When Republicans passed their budget bill, you think they would have extended those tax credits, right? Wrong.”
What It Means for Consumers
Without an extension, premiums are expected to rise by an average of $700 a year, according to a recent CNBC report cited by Brown.
Nationwide, an estimated 22 million Americans would face higher costs. In Brown’s home state of Ohio alone, more than 580,000 people could be affected.
“These aren’t small numbers,” Brown stressed. “For a lot of folks, that’s the difference between having health care or going without it.”
The Political Fight Ahead
The ACA subsidies were originally expanded in 2022 to make health insurance more affordable amid rising inflation. Democrats argue the credits have been a lifeline for millions of families, while Republicans maintain that long-term federal subsidies drive up government spending.
Brown, who voted against the GOP budget, said Democrats are working to extend the credits before they expire, but Republican support will be needed to secure a legislative fix.
“We still have a few months left to stop this,” Brown said. “I will continue to keep fighting for you.”
Why It Matters
The looming subsidy cut comes at a politically charged moment as health care affordability remains a top concern for voters heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
The issue is expected to become a major point of contention as Democrats highlight the impact of rising premiums under Republican-led fiscal policies.
