WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Senate voted 51-48 to block an extension of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits for another three years. The vote fell largely along party lines, with Independents siding with Democrats and only four Republicans voting for the extension. By refusing to extend the credits, premiums for 20 million Americans are projected to more than double, with some states facing increases of up to 300 percent. By 2034, an estimated 14 million more people will be uninsured.
The Senate also voted to reject the Health Care Freedom for Patients Act, legislation built around health savings accounts and high-deductible insurance. This approach has been repeatedly rejected as unaffordable for working families.
NEA President Becky Pringle issued the following statement:
“Children with health insurance miss fewer school days, are more likely to attend college, and earn more as adults. Yet Republicans chose to jeopardize the health and well-being of our students and communities while protecting tax breaks for the wealthy.
“At a time when families are already struggling to afford necessities, and when too many children lack reliable health care, this Trump-controlled Republican Congress has once again failed the American people.
“The impact will be devastating for students and educators. More than 10 percent of our education support professionals rely on Medicaid or ACA marketplace plans for their families’ health and stability. No family should face bankruptcy because they get sick. Protecting the health and safety of students, educators, and communities must be a national priority.
“No matter their race, background, or ZIP code, every person deserves access to affordable, high-quality health care. Educators and parents will not forget who abandoned their communities—we will continue to organize, speak out, and demand accountability.”
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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest labor union, representing nearly 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, health care workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.
