Press Release:  As Health Costs Skyrocket, Illinoisans Call on Reps. Bost, LaHood, Miller to Extend ACA Tax Credits

Springfield, IL – Today, the U.S. House will vote on extending ACA enhanced premium tax credits for three years, which Republicans—including U.S. Representatives Mike Bost (IL-12), Mary Miller (IL-15), and Darin LaHood (IL-15)—let expire on December 31. Because Republicans refused to extend these credits, roughly 500,000 Illinoisans are seeing their health care premiums double or triple. This health care crisis will only get worse if Republicans vote against this extension, and Illinois families will suffer. Ahead of the House vote on extending the ACA tax credits, Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez released the following statement:

“Illinois families are facing a health care crisis because Republicans continue to choose Donald Trump over their constituents. They let lifesaving ACA tax credits expire on December 31, hiking premiums an average of 114%. Illinois families are already underwater from rising costs—they cannot afford this Republican health care price hike. People are going to get sick and stay sick, people are going to die from preventable and treatable conditions, all because Mike Bost, Mary Miller, Darin LaHood and the Republican Party don’t believe in protecting people. Illinois Democrats will keep fighting to ensure every Illinoisans receives affordable health care.”

From Day One, House Democrats have been unwavering in their commitment to ensure every Illinoisans has access to affordable health care. Meanwhile, Donald Trump and House Republicans repeatedly refused to join Illinois Democrats in lowering health costs for working families. It’s time Representatives Bost, LaHood, and Miller stand with their constituents and extend these credits before health care becomes even more unaffordable for Illinois families.

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