Iowans Call on Reps. Zach Nunn and Mariannette Miller-Meeks to Support 3-Year Extension of ACA Tax Credits as Deadline Nears
DES MOINES, Iowa — After the U.S. Senate failed to advance a three-year extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits in the face of Republican opposition, the fight now falls to the U.S. House of Representatives to act and protect affordable health care for millions of Americans, including families across Iowa. Iowans are calling on Representatives Zach Nunn and Mariannette Miller-Meeks to stand with their constituents and sign onto the ACA discharge petition for a three-year extension. With the petition currently at 214 of the 218 signatures needed to come up for a vote, Iowa’s Republican representatives have a key opportunity to meaningfully lower health care costs for families across the state and demand their Senate colleagues to do the same.
The ACA health care tax credits are set to expire, leaving millions of Americans facing steep premium hikes. This year, many Iowans logging onto the Marketplace have already been shocked to see plans costing more than double what they paid last year. House Democrats’ proposal would prevent these punishing increases and provide much-needed stability for working families, small business owners, and rural patients across Iowa.
“Three years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Lori Hunt, an Iowa native who received her health care benefits through the Marketplace, said. “Luckily it was caught very early, and it was removed. But now, I still have that on my medical history. I have to renew my policy on the 15th, and right now I don’t have the answers. I don’t know if my tax credit will expire or if my policy is going up $100 each month. It’s been a frustrating year to be speaking on this and watch Republicans in Congress do nothing.”
Iowa State Representative Dr. Megan Srinivas warned of the looming strain the loss of coverage could put on hospitals: “One massive hit to their bottom line could make them have to shut their doors, and that means longer wait times for everybody who needs care in our state.”
Reps. Nunn and Miller-Meeks now face a simple choice: Pass an extension of the ACA tax credits and lower premiums, or continue to back Trump and Republicans’ efforts to raise costs on working families to fund tax breaks for billionaires. They can deliver for Iowa or let costs skyrocket.
“Time is running out,” Mazie Stilwell, executive director of Progress Iowa said. “This is about whether Iowa families can afford to see a doctor, whether small business owners can stay insured, and whether rural hospitals can keep their doors open. Representatives Nunn and Miller-Meeks could be the deciding votes that make this happen. It’s time they do the right thing.”