Congress Clashes Over Healthcare Subsidies, Threatening Millions' Coverage
Congress is locked in a heated debate over healthcare subsidies, with Republicans pushing for cuts that could leave millions uninsured and disrupt women's access to critical care. Democrats, led by Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, are fighting to make premium tax credits permanent and reverse Medicaid cuts.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has significantly improved women's healthcare, particularly for those of color and those living in poverty. It expanded Medicaid coverage, which now insures nearly half of all U.S. births and 15 million women aged 19 to 64. However, millions are at risk due to proposed work requirements.
The ACA's premium tax credits make private health insurance more affordable. Without these credits, the Congressional Budget Office warns that premiums could increase by nearly 8 percent each year from 2026, potentially leaving more than 30 million people uninsured by 2034. Democrats propose making these credits permanent, while Republicans' budget bill includes cuts that could effectively repeal the ACA.
Women make 80 percent of healthcare decisions for families, so disruptions in their care can have ripple effects on children, families, and communities. Medicaid expansion under the ACA led to a 17 percent drop in postpartum hospitalizations, helping new mothers recover safely. Now, this progress is under threat.
As Congress debates the extension of subsidies, a potential shutdown looms. Democrats and progressive lawmakers are united behind Schumer and Jeffries' proposal to make premium tax credits permanent and roll back Medicaid cuts. They argue that protecting women's healthcare is not only a matter of equity but also of economic stability for families and communities.
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