Capitol News

Michigan Democratic Party leaders have criticized Republicans Mike Rogers, John James, and Tom Barrett for supporting health care cuts that could result in significant increases in insurance premiums for nearly 500,000 residents. The criticism comes as the federal government shutdown continues.

Curtis Hertel, Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, said, “Mike Rogers, John James, and Tom Barrett have made it clear that they are willing to let nearly half a million Michiganders see their health care premiums more than double — all so they can protect tax handouts for billionaires. While Rogers, James and Barrett are backing disastrous health care cuts that will force families to choose between paying for their prescriptions and putting food on the table, Michigan Democrats are fighting to protect affordable health care for working families.”

Reports from WNEM highlight concerns among Democrats about the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits. According to Colette Boyd of WNEM: “Democrats say nearly half a million Michigan residents who currently have health care coverage under the [Affordable] Care Act could see their premiums double if tax credits are allowed to expire starting in January.” Curtis Hertel added: “For Michigan families who fall out of coverage because of those premium hikes, that could mean the difference between affording their prescriptions or not. Between taking their kids to the doctor or not.”

Jorma Durna of WLNS reported that Michigan Democratic Party leadership accuses Republicans of preferring a government shutdown over addressing what they describe as a growing health care crisis. Curtis Hertel stated: “If you’re so afraid to lower premiums for people, if you’re so afraid to actually know the results of a bill that you pass is that you have to lie to the American people in such a brazen way that I think every media source has said is false, it’s because they can’t give you the real explanation.”

A press call held by state Democrats focused on urging Congress to extend ACA credits designed to help reduce premium costs. Hertel argued: “Because the real explanation is that they care more about millionaires and billionaires than they do about health care premiums paid for by people.” He also commented on congressional responsibility: “Republicans control the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives. It’s on them to come to the table and keep [the] government open. It’s on them to fix this health care crisis that they’ve created,” he said. “But instead of doing their jobs, they’re abandoning Americans who are facing huge increases in health care costs and forcing a shutdown.”

In addition, Congresswoman McDonald Rivet joined other state Democrats in calling for action against Medicaid cuts and extending ACA premium tax credits during a virtual event aimed at highlighting these demands.

Hertel reiterated his concerns regarding potential impacts if ACA enhanced premium tax credits expire: “Nearly half a million Michiganders on the ACA marketplace will likely see their health care premiums increase, or double on average, starting in January,” he said. “For Michigan families who fall out of coverage because of those premium hikes, that can mean the difference between affording their prescriptions or not, between taking their kids to a doctor or not, between financial security or financial ruin.”