Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) began reaching out to residents of the 34th Congressional District of Texas to ask how rising health care premiums will affect their lives, their families, and their livelihoods should extreme Washington Republicans let these critical tax credits expire at the end of the year. You can read some of the responses below. The congressman invites South Texans to continue sharing their experiences here.
“According to the House Budget Committee and the Kaiser Family Foundation, 129,000 of my constituents that rely on the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits to afford their health care will see their monthly rates skyrocket on January 1, 2026, unless Republicans come to the table and work with us to renew them,” said Congressman Vicente Gonzalez. “With so much at stake I want to hear directly from South Texans – in their own words – about what these critical subsidies have done for them and their loved ones and what it would mean if this lifeline ended.”
HOW HAVE TAX CREDITS HELPED YOU?
“I have had coverage since [the Affordable Care Act] began. With preexisting conditions, the marketplace was the only way I could afford insurance. I have become disabled and as of November I am being forced onto Medicare. I can’t afford the coverage that Medicare provides. I have to give up an affordable healthcare plan without any choice. I am afraid I will be forgoing medications and Dr visits, surgeries because of the cost.”
- Donald from Harlingen
“I am diabetic, and it has helped with doctor visits and medication to keep sugar levels controlled. Without it I do not know what I would do.”
- Gumecindo from McAllen
WHAT WILL PREMIUM INCREASES MEAN FOR YOU?
“We will not be able to go to regular doctor visits.”
- Elizabeth from San Benito
“My family and I will not be able to seek medical help. With being self-employed there is no PPO option for us. We desperately need the affordable care act.”
- Crystal from Harlingen
A closer look at the numbers:
For a 60-year-old couple earning $82,800 a year, annual premiums will increase by $16,639 or by 280%
For a family of four earning $129,800 a year, annual premiums will increase by $8,535 or 84%.
For a family of four earning $64,000 a year, annual premiums will increase by $2,571 or 515%.
Take the survey here.
