Capitol News

As the Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment period begins, Michigan Democrats are warning that health care premiums in the state are expected to rise sharply. They attribute these increases to decisions made by Michigan Republican members of Congress, including Mike Rogers, John James, and Tom Barrett, who supported ending ACA tax credits.

According to information shared by the Michigan Democratic Party, a 45-year-old individual in Michigan earning $64,000 could see their annual premium increase by $1,678. A 60-year-old couple making $85,000 may face an average increase of $19,533. For a family of four with an income of $130,000, the premium hike could be about $9,092.

Democratic officials have criticized Republicans for not extending the ACA tax credits and for contributing to a government shutdown instead of addressing what they describe as a growing health care crisis. “Mike Rogers, John James, Tom Barrett, and every Michigan Republican in Congress backed the toxic agenda that’s causing health care costs to skyrocket,” said Curtis Hertel Jr., Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party.

At a virtual press conference held before open enrollment began, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell stated: “I should be in Washington D.C., in a session, in Congress, having bipartisan discussions with my colleagues to solve this problem. This is the fifth week in a row that Speaker Johnson has not brought the House in.” She added: “I want to get this government open again. That means Republicans have to go to work in Washington. I hope Speaker Johnson calls us all back—we all get there, we re-open the government, and they do something about health care so that millions of Americans don’t lose it.”

Jodie Schanhals, an entrepreneur from Traverse City who spoke at the event alongside Dingell and Hertel Jr., described how her monthly insurance cost would rise from $53 to $950 if subsidies expire. “This is like paying a mortgage. I will not be able to afford health care,” she said. Schanhals also noted she needs hip replacement surgery but cannot proceed without insurance: “I won’t die from this. I just won’t be able to walk.” She further commented on broader consequences: “Right now, the Republicans in the House of Representatives are placing me in the middle of this battle. Either we’re not gonna pay the health care subsidies that go along with the ACA so everybody can get health care or we’re not gonna feed 40 million people… I am outraged that this is the choice. It’s so cruel.”

Hertel Jr. reiterated his criticism during another press call: “When parents have to choose between paying for health insurance and putting food on the table, they’ll know who forced that choice… The answer is Mike Rogers, John James, Tom Barrett and Michigan Republicans who aren’t listening to Michigan families.”

Democrats continue urging GOP lawmakers to act quickly on restoring ACA tax credits before more residents face increased costs.